Diasporic baraka

Abstract

In this paper I reflect on two interconnected phenomena associated with Lebanese migration: a high incidence of gambling among immigrants and the experience of migration itself as a form of “gambling with the self.” I show how both these dimensions are illuminated by Levy-Bruhl’s reflections on gambling and risk-taking. I examine the affinity that Levy-Bruhl’s ideas have with Bourdieu’s notion of illusio that I’ve also used to explore these dimensions.