Translocalisation of values, relationality and offence.

What is it about?

This research paper examines the connection between taking offense and moral evaluations among Latin American migrants in London, exploring how these concepts are reshaped within a new social and economic context. The author analyzes segments from life-story interviews with two Latin American migrants who discuss conflicts with co-ethnics. The key argument is that the "translocalisation" of values – that is, the adaptation of cultural norms and expectations to a new environment – leads to a dynamic and often unstable moral order within migrant communities. The author contends that to understand offense and moral judgments, we must consider the wider relational context of the offended and the offender, as well as the broader societal structures that shape their experiences. The paper demonstrates how offense is not merely a reflection of personal values or social expectations, but also a consequence of the interplay between cultural norms, socioeconomic realities, and the complex relationships within a migrant community. Through a close analysis of the stories shared by the participants, the author reveals the intricate ways in which offense and morality are intertwined and how these concepts are reinterpreted in the context of migration.

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Why is it important?

It underscores the importance of taking a holistic approach to analyzing social phenomena, recognizing that actions and utterances are always embedded within a complex web of contexts. By considering these contexts, we gain a richer and more nuanced understanding of the dynamics at play.