New research chair bridges Dutch-Caribbean ties with groundbreaking insights
A new academic chair at the University of Amsterdam explores the deep connections between the Netherlands and its Caribbean islands, revealing how circular migration shapes identities and relationships. This research could reshape how citizens understand their shared future within the Kingdom.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Professor | Prof. dr. Francio Guadeloupe |
| Position | Special Professor of Public Anthropology of Kingdom Relations |
| Institution | University of Amsterdam (UvA) |
| Chair Established | 2024 by the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) |
| Lecture Title | Dutch-Caribbean Studies: Anthropological Research on the Kingdom |
| Research Focus | Circular migration, cultural interconnectedness, family/romantic ties |
| Film Project | Changá (Double Play), exploring identity through dominoes |
| Advisory Committee | Eileen Moyer, Rachel Spronk, Esther Captain, René Bagchus (BZK) |
| Knowledge Function | Launched by BZK to integrate Caribbean expertise into policy |
The Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) plays a key role in fostering understanding and cooperation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, including its Caribbean territories. By funding academic chairs like this one, BZK aims to ensure policies reflect the lived realities of all citizens, bridging cultural and geographical divides.
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Guadeloupe officially accepts chair in Kingdom Relations with inaugural lecture
Prof. dr. Francio Guadeloupe, special professor of Public Anthropology of Kingdom Relations, delivered his inaugural lecture today, Thursday, March 12, at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). Guadeloupe presented his inaugural address as the holder of the chair in Public Anthropology of Kingdom Relations. This chair was established in 2024 by the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK).
During his lecture titled *Dutch-Caribbean Studies: Anthropological Research on the Kingdom of the Netherlands*, Guadeloupe argued that it is impossible to view the Caribbean part of the Kingdom and the Netherlands in the 21st century as separate worlds with their own strictly defined 'indigenous' cultures. Doing so would underestimate how the lives of people within the Kingdom are intertwined at an everyday level.
Circular migration
Many people of Caribbean-Dutch descent are part of a circular migration within the Kingdom: they live, study for a few years in the Netherlands, return to the islands to work and contribute, and later migrate back to the Netherlands due to greater opportunities there. Psychologically, this group remains connected to both sides of the ocean. The reality of this circular migration and psychological connection is not widely known. Conversely, there are also people of Dutch descent who move to the islands or spend part of the year there; they, too, consider the Caribbean part of the Kingdom their home.
Research lines
For the chair, Guadeloupe has established several research lines, including those on cultural and intellectual trans-Atlantic interconnectedness and what this interconnectedness means for family ties and (romantic) relationships.
Anthropological film
As part of the chair, Guadeloupe recently produced an anthropological film titled *Changá* (*Double Play*). The film takes the viewer on a journey through the rhythm of the philosophy of dominoes: how do people respond to what life deals them? Identity is a prominent theme in the film. *Changá* premiered in January on Aruba and Curaçao, with additional screenings planned in the Netherlands and on the other islands of the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.
Advisory committee
The advisory committee for the chair, also known as the curatorium, consists of chair Eileen Moyer, professor of anthropology of ecology, health, and climate change at the University of Amsterdam; Rachel Spronk, professor of anthropology of sexuality and gender at the University of Amsterdam; Esther Captain, KNAW special professor of Intergenerational Impact of Slavery and Colonialism at Utrecht University; and René Bagchus, Director of Kingdom Relations at the Ministry of BZK, as an advisory member.
Formally, Guadeloupe’s lecture served as the acceptance of his position as special professor. An inaugural lecture is a significant event with considerable ceremony. As is customary, the lecture was attended by other professors, all dressed in academic gowns.
Valuable contribution
René Bagchus congratulated Guadeloupe on behalf of the Directorate-General for Kingdom Relations at the Ministry of BZK. “I am pleased with the valuable contribution Francio Guadeloupe is making to broadening Caribbean knowledge and how we coexist within the Kingdom. I look forward to the further results of his research. I am convinced that his studies and insights will contribute to a deeper understanding and connection within our Kingdom.” Barbara Wolfensberger, Director-General for Kingdom Relations, was also present at the lecture.
Knowledge function
The Directorate-General launched a Kingdom Relations knowledge function two years ago to ground policy regarding the six Caribbean islands more firmly in Caribbean knowledge and expertise. For this reason, the Ministry of BZK has initiated two chairs in Kingdom Relations, one of which is Guadeloupe’s chair in Public Anthropology of Kingdom Relations.