Family dynamics in transnational African migration to Europe: an introduction

Abstract

This introduction to the special issue on ‘Family dynamics in transnational African migration to Europe’ outlines a number of important themes in contemporary migration of sub-Saharan African migrants to Europe. This special issue focuses on gender and intergenerational ties and tensions within families. The authors argue that the study of family dynamics in contemporary migration from Africa to Europe needs to be put in a historical perspective, and linked to discussions about emerging African Diasporas and their impact on transnational relationships. In addition, they point to the fluidity of migration, the different migration trajectories, the difficulties of labelling and categorizing migrants, and emphasize the everyday negotiations, struggles, and decision-making processes of people on the move. In doing so the authors intend to contribute to the debate about the non-economic aspects of contemporary African migration to Europe.