| Summary: | This research argues for a more nuanced understanding of the diverse motivations for diaspora movement and return. The study develops contemporary diaspora literature by critiquing the way that concepts of home and homeland are used, underscoring the overlooked importance of community engagement, and emphasising the role of racism and gender in return migration. Empirically, the argument draws on semi-structured interviews with 84 male and female participants from the county of Devon, located within the southwest of England, in the United Kingdom, and 32 male and female participants who have returned to south Kurdistan. Alongside contributions to extant literature about migration and diaspora, the thesis also contributes to the fields of diaspora and migration studies by shedding light on the current state of the Kurdish diaspora in particular. Since Kurds have experienced increased autonomy in recent years, the thesis takes the opportunity to reflect on the familiar themes of home, community, identity and belonging in research on diaspora when long-held dreams of autonomy are finally realised. The thesis also makes suggestions for working alongside marginalized and disadvantaged people and supporting their struggle for equal citizenship.
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