Save

Post-Soviet Believers in Migration

Constructing Memory-Based and Space-Bounded Identity Narratives in Finland

In: Journal of Religion in Europe
Author:
Maija Tuuli Penttilä University of Helsinki Faculty of Theology Helsinki Finland

Search for other papers by Maija Tuuli Penttilä in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5553-4964
Download Citation Get Permissions

Access options

Get access to the full article by using one of the access options below.

Institutional Login

Log in with Open Athens, Shibboleth, or your institutional credentials

Login via Institution

Purchase

Buy instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):

€36.93

Abstract

Understanding of space is central in migrant identity-building and integration to a host society. Identity also relates to time, which is effectuated by memory. This article shows how the interplay between religiosity and space may be central to believers’ identity narratives. Religiosity and memories of the past may affiliate migrants to a specific country. Through narrative analysis, I have shown five different ways Russian speakers from various denominations in Finland affiliate spatially—whether to the past country which does not exist anymore, country of origin, two home countries, host country or the global society. Each narrative has its own way of memorizing. The article shows multiplicity in Russian-speaking believers’ life courses and present-day identity-building in Finland. The article also demonstrates, in a migration situation, the effect on identity narratives of denominational background and recognition as sectarian or necessity of remediation.

Content Metrics

All Time Past 365 days Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 929 243 11
Full Text Views 66 9 0
PDF Views & Downloads 126 19 0