Transnationalism, economic transfers and families’ ties: Intercontinental contacts of older Gujaratis, Punjabis and Sylhetis in Birmingham with families abroad

Abstract

This article examines the intercontinental contacts of South Asian migrants living in Birmingham (UK) with relatives abroad. A sample of 300 elders (aged 55+) were interviewed in the UK: 100 each of Gujaratis, Punjabis and Sylhetis. The study refers to contact with children, siblings and other relatives abroad. It examines contact through letters, phone calls, sending or receiving money and gifts and visiting. We hypothesize that (i) most remittances would be sent to relatives abroad (rather than received from relatives abroad) due to the expectations in the sending countries; (ii) that the frequency of visits to relatives abroad would be greater than the frequency of visits to the UK; (iii) that all types of contact would be greater between children and parents than between siblings, and other relatives. None of the hypotheses was supported in full, and highlight important distinctions between the South Asian groups in the study.

Keywords:

• Older people
• transnationalism
• communication
• relationships
• remittances
• visiting

Acknowledgments

This project was funded by ESCOR, Department for International Development. The author would also like to acknowledge the contribution of the collaborators in the study: G. Clare Wenger (Project Co-ordinator) Centre for Social Policy Research and Development, University of Wales, Bangor, UK; Dr. Abdul Biswas, Shahjahal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh; Dr. Parul Dave and Ms. Indira Mallya, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Gujarat, India; Dr. N. S. Sodhi, Patiala, Punjab, India; Dr. Shubha Soneja, HelpAge India, New Delhi, India.

Notes

VANESSA BURHOLT is Head of the Centre for Social Policy Research and Development, Insititute of Medical and Social Care Research, University of Wales Bangor.

ADDRESS Ardudwy, Holyhead Road, University of Wales, Bangor LL57 2PX, UK. E-mail: <[email protected]>

A number of households, normally of the same family, sharing a common courtyard (Kabir 2001).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Vanessa Burholt

VANESSA BURHOLT is Head of the Centre for Social Policy Research and Development, Insititute of Medical and Social Care Research, University of Wales Bangor. ADDRESS Ardudwy, Holyhead Road, University of Wales, Bangor LL57 2PX, UK. E-mail: <[email protected]>