Marginally Mobile? The Vulnerable Lifestyle of Westerners in Goa

ABSTRACT

An increasing number of Westerners are leading lifestyles where they repeatedly spend long periods of time in Goa, India. This article discusses the phenomenon in terms of marginal mobility. The main focus is on the problems that the transnationally mobile lifestyle can cause for individuals. The article shows that the mobile lifestyle of the Westerners in Goa involves various vulnerabilities, for example in terms of personal crises, official residence status, visas and children’s education. The article is based on extensive ethnographic research.

KEYWORDS: marginal mobility, sedentary norms, India