Intergenerational Solidarity in Romanian Transnational Families

Abstract

This chapter studies how intergenerational solidarity is remodelled in conditions of geographical distance between Romanian parents and their migrant adult children. We investigate associational, affectual, and functional intergenerational solidarity and the ways in which support is provided in transnational families: through direct provision with co-presence, direct provision at a distance, coordination, and delegation. The focus of our research is on elderly parents left behind, and for our investigation we use the qualitative methodology of semi-structured interviews. Results show that intergenerational relations remain multidimensional and certain dimensions continue to be fulfilled through direct provision only, such as associational and affectual solidarity. Functional solidarity can additionally circulate across the family network, and associational solidarity becomes particularly important through its potential for other forms of intergenerational solidarity.