Rethinking intergenerational solidarity during migration. The case of Portuguese transnational families

Abstract: With the change in paradigms of mobility in Portugal, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the role that intergenerational solidarity plays in relations between those who emigrate and those who stay in the country of origin. Considering the dimensions of Bengtson’s model of intergenerational solidarity (IS) and the emerging category of conflict, it is important to understand how migrants and families reorganize patterns of support, as it promotes adjustment to risk drivers associated with emigration. This paper contributes towards a (re)analysis of the dimensions of IS with a specific focus on the transversality of conflict and the role of new technologies and communication. Adopting a qualitative methodology, we conducted 22 in-depth interviews with young-adult, intra-EU Portuguese migrants. The findings enable the identification and mapping of different aspects and types of solidarity in the relationship between migrants and family members in the origin. Furthermore, the results indicate the need to consider conflict as an essential element in the perception of autonomy and / or the need to (re)think the space for family in the lives of migrants. Still, we found that digital connection is a crucial element in the dynamic and well-being of transnational families, increasing the perception of family belonging.