As Somalis we generally tend to perceive our settlement in the western world in temporary terms. The older generation and particularly women, generally express emotional orientation towards Somalia and are often absorbed by events at home. From my observations, we often talk about current events in our host countries, but it’s from a social habit rather than a keen interest in the affairs of the host society.

Moreover we rarely establish social relations with members of the mainstream community partly due to linguistic and cultural barriers and of course perceived racism. So for most Somalis, contact with the local people is very limited as is their knowledge of British, American, Canadian or even European life and customs. This voluntary segregation has induced Somali people following a daily pattern that greatly constraints interactions with the mainstream community. Our main leisure pursuits are informal social visits to the homes of relatives and friends. Men and women usually spend their time in khat chewing sessions to create a nostalgic romantisation of life back home. Additionally wedding receptions, Eid festivities and the occasional Somali concerts or cultural events one-off social events offer some connection with Somalia.

Many Somali families are headed by a single mother, whatever the circumstances, welfare benefits usually become the sole income for the family with the state replacing the husband/father as the Family provider. Even when families do stay together, Somalis suffer from high levels of unemployment and are therefore receiving benefits. This obviously impacts on the individuals’ self-esteem and confidence and deprives them of the status they once had as father, worker and provider

What’s more the resurgence of clan consciousness, partly due to the political polarisation in the Somali peninsula creates further factions, thus effectively inhibiting a community spirit or a united front for a fair share of community grants.
It is also crucial to recognise that even within own community; we are highly segregated, often having the strongest bond with clan allegiance as opposed to the Somali national identity. The Somali community is consequently tribally segregated across London for instance. Somalis in different parts of London constitute different clans. For instance Somalis in Tower Hamlets are predominately from Somaliland. While Somalis in Islington are mostly from Puntland and south central Somalia. But it seems as though times are changing, as younger generations, both those escaping violence at home and those born here are renegotiating their Somali identity and their relationship to the UK in a new context.

Despite Somalis now in the western for more than 25 years, I think it’s fair to say we are a community in a state of flux: unsettled, neglected and fragmented in both attitude and orientation.