Kinship ties on the move: An introduction to the migratory journeys of kindred

Abstract

One of the main human factors recognized in the New Classical economy of labour market explanations is that families, extended families or even groups of neighbours might be involved in designing the migration path of one or more members of the group, so that the migrant, once settled in the host country, could help the others in their original country. It is only more recently that migration studies have recognized the gender dynamics involved in the processes of human mobility. The introduction of a gender perspective has allowed an exposure of previously invisible women in the scholarly studies on migrations. Recognizing the importance of a gender perspective this introduction shall tackle some of the terminologies used to talk about human mobility and discusses the inconvenience of using terms like family to describe conjugal ties, domestic arrangements and parental care in contexts of migration.

The Migration-Kinship Nexus: Mobilising Kinship During Fragmented Afghan and Iraqi Journeys to European Union Countries

“…Existing research has analysed the role of kinship networks in facilitating migration and connecting migrants and non-migrants in various places (Andrikopoulos and Duyvendak 2020). Research has demonstrated that ideas and practices of kinship change because of migrants' experiences and cultural adaption (Foner 1997), and that some social constructions of kinship are part of cultures of mobility (Declich 2020). In their important work on kinship in a migration context, Bryceson and Vuorela (2002) demonstrate that the practices, composition and structure of transnational families frequently do not imitate nation-states' definition of what counts as a 'legitimate family', which is the target of social policies and family reunification regulations.…”

“…In their important work on kinship in a migration context, Bryceson and Vuorela (2002) demonstrate that the practices, composition and structure of transnational families frequently do not imitate nation-states' definition of what counts as a 'legitimate family', which is the target of social policies and family reunification regulations. Family units are foundations for state control (McIntosch 1979;Moore 1988), and in a migration context, people are forced to present themselves according to the western family unit model (Declich 2020).…”

“…Kinship frequently is a motivating force behind migrants leaving home often associated with the intention to improve the the family's livelihood, safety or prospects for the future (Decimo and Gribaldo 2018;Declich 2020). Kinship also offers a social network, which has an impact on when and how migrants leave home, which route to take, how to pay for the journey and where to go.…”

“…Moreover, research has demonstrated the impact that nation-state borders and increasingly restrictive migration regimes have on the lives of transnational families (Al-Ali 2002;Merla & Baldassar 2011;Merla 2014;Brandhorst et al 2020;Merla et al 2020;Näre 2020). Scholars have criticised mainstream research for conceptualising family as an idealised, domestic unit adhering to western norms (Declich 2020), which is also reflected in European national legislation. What has been overlooked in existing research is the ways in which migrants 'do' family, and, more broadly, are 'doing' kinship, during their journeys?…”

“…Research has shown how social relations are fractured and undone by state migration policies, and how state definitions of the family determine who can migrate through formalised 'family routes' (Strasser et al 2009;Declich 2020;Bonizzoni & Belloni forthcoming).…”