ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the extent to which ethno-nationalist politics influences more intimate, inter-personal relations. It focuses on the question of partnership and marriage choices among second generation migrants. To what extent do ethno-national ideas and feelings really influence and determine the choice of a (marriage) partner. Insofar as they do, how profound is this pattern in the second generation context. Issues of intimacy, sexuality, and partnerships can be analysed from a variety of perspectives. The chapter specifically concerns those relationships between men and women which could potentially lead to the formation of a heterosexual marriage/partnership. It sets out to link 'private' issues around choice of marital partner with the more 'public' issues of ethnicity and politics. It is therefore not possible to separate 'public' and 'private' spheres in exploring ethno-nationalism in a diaspora setting. Rather, ethno-nationalism, under certain conditions, envelops and inter-penetrates both.
