Displaying Families, Migrant Families and Community Connectedness: The Application of an Emerging Concept in Family Life

Abstract

The new concept of Displaying Family shows how family life must not only be 'done' but also be 'seen to be done'. Both family members and external audiences need to recognise what is being conveyed during such displays—and to accept them—for these displays to be considered successful. Hence, there are multiple potential audiences for family displays. Drawing on empirical research, the article applies this important conceptual development to a study of the role of family in promoting community connectedness in a UK city which is becoming increasingly culturally diverse. Specifically, it examines the use of family display by migrant families and the observation of this by multiple audiences. The paper will consider early findings on the impact family display has on the forging of interactions and connectedness between communities and the development of a 'world building' rather than a 'nation building' sensibility. By acknowledging that the ideology of the family has both overarching themes but contextually varied interpretations, it will examine the potential of family displays—and their receipt—to allow the recognition of similarities between culturally diverse groups and to bridge the differences that extend beyond family. The article will present data from individual and group interviews with migrant families, including children, and other potential audiences of family displays to illustrate the application of this new concept.