Intergenerational dynamics of migrants' family memory: global trends and Russian specifics

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of intergenerational features of the transformation of the migrants’ family memory in the context of global trends in five Russian regions. Using transnational and praxeological approaches, the authors examined the migrants’ family memory as a configuration of narratives and practices, including the memory of both the country of origin and the commemorative practices of the host society. Based on the biographical method of Fritz Schütze, the authors identified and analyzed the curves of family narratives of the first, 1.5 and second generations of migrants. The article concluded that family commemorations continue to play an important role in constructing the identity of migrant communities in the Russian provinces. The main difference between the Russian case and global trends in the transformation of migrants’ family memory is the dominance of first-generation migrants influencing family commemorations. It was concluded that “parallel” communities of memory between migrants and the host society are preserved. With regard to migrants, this was expressed in their openness only to the Russian language, while their attitude towards Russian traditions and festive culture was neutral. Turning to the generational features of the transmission and reproduction of family memory revealed an increase in differences between the first and second generations. Based on the three most common ways of relating to the family past in the second generation (reluctance to adopt, uncritical perception of traditions, co-production of common meaning), potential conflict zones were identified in intergenerational relationships regarding shared family memories.