Intergenerational Communication in Traditional and Virtual Bulgarian Families

Abstract

Mobility and migration processes through transnational borders outline the new dimensions of the modern world. The countless possibilities to work and study abroad are among the main reasons for the younger generations in Bulgaria to leave their country and their family, relatives and friends. The newly formed virtual family form composed of a married or unmarried couple, a family with children (narrowly) and their ancestors (broadly) where single, several or all members of the family unit do not live in the same household faces immense challenges. Despite the contemporary seamless and timely communication possibilities, the paper seeks to answer two research questions: Does the intergenerational divide deepen in the virtual family over time? How the communication is changing in the virtual family compared with the traditional one? Thus the aim of the study is to measure the generational divide in the communications between virtual and traditional families. A comparative analysis of in-depth face-to-face and Skype interviews with respondents from virtual and traditional families has been conducted. The results and conclusions indicate that the different daily routine and lifestyle of the family members could alienate them. Intergenerational divide between younger and older members is detected both in virtual and traditional family. This reduces the effectiveness of the interactive communication between the family members, especially with regard to older people when they live apart.