Towards a theoretical model for the study of productive and reproductive strategies in transnational families: Latin American migration and social mobility in Spain

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe aim of this article is to study the transnational social mobility strategies, focusing on the interaction between reproductive and productive strategies, of Latin American migrant households in Spain. We have created an analysis model based on the assessment of the differentiated strategic investments of transnational families in terms of four types of resources: physical and financial; educational; social and emotional. Our intention is to trace variations in strategic behaviour in accordance with the migrants’ family generation (grandparents, parents, children,) their migratory position (pioneering or regrouped migrants, family members remaining in the country of origin, etc.) and their family situation. A longitudinal approach has been adopted, in order to analyse the changes in social and spatial mobility strategies throughout the course of the migratory process, using biographical narratives and multi-situated fieldwork carried out in Spain with Latin American immigrants (Brazilians and Ecuadorians), as well as in certain countries of origin (Ecuador).