'Soy Super-Colombiana:' Colombian Women in Madrid and the Paradoxes of Constructing Transnational Identities

Abstract

In this thesis I examine the experiences of Colombian women who emigrated from various regions of Colombia to Madrid from 1996-2006. An analysis of this sort requires a preliminary explanation regarding factors that motivate women to emigrate from Colombia and immigrate to Spain. In this project, I reflect upon the paradoxes inherent in the construction of a transnational identity. Though some Colombian women adopt Spanish customs, constructing a transnational identity, the majority maintain a strong and vibrant Colombian identity, particularly through virtual connections with their families back home. A transnational identity is an emotional, personal identity and in the context of this project signifies the adoption of a Spanish identity by Colombian women. I utilize social network theory as the primary conceptual framework to analyze the role and significance of networks in fostering the construction of transnational identities and the maintenance of Colombian identities.