Transnational Communication between Children and Grandparents during the COVID-19 Lockdown: The Case of Migrant Children in Poland

ABSTRACT

Transnational intergenerational communication between migrant children and their grandparents depends on family relationships and the specific migration context, but also shifts in response to emerging factors, such as the current COVID-19 crisis. The goal of this study is to offer an agile typology of communication between migrant children in Poland and their grandparents in other countries. It points to two types of family communication practices, namely direct (face-to-face) and technology-mediated communication (TMC). Drawing on data from a qualitative study of immigrant children (n = 19) and parents (n = 18) conducted during the lockdown and associated travel restrictions caused by the pandemic, the study offers a typology of emotional, symbolic, mediated, and discontinuous modes of intergenerational family communications. It also indicates that cessation of direct contact during an “immobility regime” reduces the scope of intergenerational communication in transnational families.

Notes

1. During the first pandemic lockdown in Poland in spring and summer, the Offices for Foreigners were closed, and later provided limited services. As a consequence, a number of migrants were “put on hold” (Brandhorst et al., 2020) in terms of getting their residence documents. They could neither leave Poland until their residence cards were issued, nor provide visiting privileges through visas for their relatives, therefore preventing family visits from those without EU nationality/permits.

2. The researcher (the first author) had five years’ experience working as a teacher of migrant children. For three years before the research project, the researcher had not had any direct contact with the participants. The researcher took great care to avoid putting any pressure on potential participants. The researcher’s previous working and life experience, however, was an important factor in approaching such a vulnerable group of children and adults with migration experience, especially those who had faced violence and political persecution in their home countries. Thus, the researcher was aware of the discussed issues.

3. Nikolas had established a rather discontinuous communication mode with his maternal grandparents, who lived in Ukraine and they rarely communicated (either through face-to-face or technology-mediated communication).

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by National Science Center under [PRELUDIUM 18], funding No [2019/35/N/HS6/03682] and by ISS SWPS, funding No [SUB/INS/2019/24].