Changing demographics and intimate relation patterns among Indian diaspora in Denmark

Indians, mostly skilled, have been invited to fill gaps in the Danish labour market in the last decade, changing the demographics and dynamics of the Indian diaspora. The chapter covers this diaspora, also historically, focusing on the psychosocial aspects of transnationalism and intimate relationship formation. The theoretical framework combines life course perspective, processes of interconnectedness and inclusion/exclusion. Studies of Indian couples and ‘mixed couples’ consisting of Indians in exogamous marriages with Danish spouses form the empirical part. The results show Indian diaspora transformations, such as multiple belongings, differential engagement in Danish society and India related to generational and couple formation patterns. Indians, mostly skilled, have been invited to fill gaps in the Danish labour market in the last decade, changing the demographics and dynamics of the Indian diaspora. The chapter covers this diaspora, also historically, focusing on the psychosocial aspects of transnationalism and intimate relationship formation. The dominating pattern of marriage among Indians in Denmark is homogamy. Indians either marry between Indians born and raised in Denmark or marry transnationally i.e. an Indian from India or from a third country. Most Indians nurture ties with their country of origin along with becoming a part of the host society, despite increasing polarisation in the society. One of the most concerning features of the Danish immigration policy is the tightening of rules over the years, especially with regards to family reunification. Consideration and implementation of the policy recommendations by the Danish and the Indian governments will benefit not only the Indians in Denmark but also Danes and Indians in India