Transnational families in the light of the practice-based approach

Małgorzata Szyszka

doi:10.33119/sd.2019.2.6

Abstract

Today, international migration is one of the main factors that determine functioning of families. Transnational families and transnational parenting are becoming increasingly more common and have been gaining considerable interest of researchers and social practitioners. One perspective that may be useful for examining transnational families is the practice-based approach. The concepts put forward by Morgan and Finch (‘doing’ and ‘displaying’ family) help to analyse families not as structures, but as everyday practices which constitute them (Morgan) and which must be associated with a system of meanings to be displayed (Finch). In the article, the analysis of transnational family practices will focus on the ‘tools’ for displaying (Finch) that are characteristic of transnational family life, and it will be based on the results of Polish and international studies. The article will discuss the tools proposed by Finch, such as physical objects or the use of narratives, as well as the use of technology in communication and taking care of children, as these practices are specific to transnational families. Those ‘tools’ for displaying show that transnational families are flexible, they are constantly happening, and by being embedded in broader systems of meanings, they become acceptable.

Highlights

IntroductionInternational migration has changed Polish families and the ways they function, affecting the family structure, position and roles of family members, organisation of family life and parenthood (Danilewicz, 2010; Fiałkowska, 2019; Krzyżowski, Slany, & Ślusarczyk, 2014; 2017; Nosek, 2018; Pustułka, Struzik, & Ślusarczyk, 2015; Slany, Ślusarczyk, & Pustułka, 2016; Urbańska, 2009; 2015; Walczak, 2016; White, 2011; White, Grabowska, Kaczmarczyk, & Slany, 2018)
The aim of the article is to examine the practices of transnational families in relation to the concept of ‘doing’ and ‘displaying’ families that was developed by Morgan (1996) and Finch (2007)
The concepts of ‘doing’ family and ‘displaying’ family can complement the theory of trans-nationality, which studies the relationships and social activities that are embedded in everyday life of actors involved in the migration process (Apitzsch & Siouti, 2007)

Summary

Introduction

International migration has changed Polish families and the ways they function, affecting the family structure, position and roles of family members, organisation of family life and parenthood (Danilewicz, 2010; Fiałkowska, 2019; Krzyżowski, Slany, & Ślusarczyk, 2014; 2017; Nosek, 2018; Pustułka, Struzik, & Ślusarczyk, 2015; Slany, Ślusarczyk, & Pustułka, 2016; Urbańska, 2009; 2015; Walczak, 2016; White, 2011; White, Grabowska, Kaczmarczyk, & Slany, 2018). The aim of the article is to examine the practices of transnational families in relation to the concept of ‘doing’ and ‘displaying’ families that was developed by Morgan (1996) and Finch (2007) (practice-based approach). The concepts of ‘doing’ family and ‘displaying’ family can complement the theory of trans-nationality, which studies the relationships and social activities that are embedded in everyday life of actors involved in the migration process (Apitzsch & Siouti, 2007). An overview of the research and stories told by transnational family members allows us to extend the list of tools for displaying transnational family that was given by Finch and to add to this list, for example, the use of communication technologies and childcare These practices are specific to transnational family life. The remaining part of the article will be devoted to these different tools for ‘displaying’ family

Physical objects

The use of narratives

The use of technology in communication

Taking care of children

Conclusion