SOCIAL RELATIONS BEYOND THE FAMILY?

Abstract

In exploring elderly South Asian women's networks this paper critiques the predominant focus on kinship (based on descent and or affinity) that has been the prism through which South Asian women's lives have been explored. Through research carried out at weekly meetings attended by elderly South Asian women, this paper addresses the significance of friendships for migrant South Asian women. The paper highlights how networks are formed, maintained and alter according to the stage in the life course and geographical place.

En étudiant les réseaux sociaux des femmes âgées, cet article critique l'attention portée sur la parenté (que ce soit d'ascendance ou par mariage) qui a servi de prisme à travers lequel la vie des femmes du sous-continent indien a été analysée. Se fondant sur une recherche menée au cours de réunions hebdomadaires à Londres auprès de femmes âgées du sous-continent indien, cet article étudie l'importance des relations amicales pour ces femmes migrantes. L'article souligne la manière dont les réseaux se forment, sont maintenus et transformés selon les étapes de la vie de ces personnes et leur origine géographique.

amitié, sous-continent indien, migration, réseaux sociaux

Keywords:

• elderly women migrants, friendship, South Asians, social networks

Notes

1. This paper is based on an ongoing research project entitled ‘Transnational South Asian Families: Rituals, Care and Provision’ within the Families & Social Capital ESRC Research Group at London South Bank University.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kanwal Mand

Kanwal Mand completed her doctorate in anthropology at Sussex University after which she became a Research Fellow, Families & Social Capital ESRC Research Group, London South Bank University. Her research interests include transnational South Asian families, the life course and research methods for the study of transnationalism