Transnational Families in Latvia

Description

The objective of the study is to deepen knowledge and understanding about phenomenon and dynamics of transnational families in Latvia. . The main methods: desk research (28 sources from EU countries) and qualitative methods (pilot interviews with members of transnational families), n = 9. three groups of respondents were interviewed: migrant family members, left behind members and social services.. Transnational' families are different types of families who live apart in different countries, and who retain "a 'sense of collective welfare and unity, .. “familyhood,” .. across national borders" '(Bryceson and Vuorela 2002).The most prevalent transnational family types in Latvia are: families separated due to to economic migration, forced migration, family member works abroad continuously, families dispersed after marriage or separation/divorce, families in which a young person lives abroad for studies. However, precise data are not available Transnational families generate large personal remittances. Statistics demonstrate that Latvia is highly dependent  from inflows of personal remittances (214 m. Eur in 2019,  154 m. Eur in 2020).In transnational families some family members are left behind: child/children, or/and spouse/partner, or/and grandparent/-s. Interview data demonstrate that economic migration is not always related to better economic situation of left behind family members (in particular children, grandparents). About half of interviewed left behind family members report lack of social support, lack of emotional support for children and parents, missing close relationships between children and main caregivers, increasing problems at school and with remaining family members. . The desk research and interview analyses show new insights into transnational family perspective. The role of grandparents demands greater recognition in the areas of transnational care arrangements. Data demonstrate the consequences of separation of children from parents, high burden of care taking for grandchildren needs to be be taken into the work programme of social pedagogues and social workers. 

Period	29 Mar 2023
Event title	RSU Research week 2023: Society. Health. Welfare
Event type	Conference
Conference number	9
Organiser	Rīga Stradiņš University
Location	Riga, LatviaShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International