Kinship in the Age of Mobility and Technology: Migrant Family Mobilities in the Contemporary Global Novel

This book explores how kinship is affected by global mobility, technological advancements, and cultural interactions, using literary representations to examine transnational kinship dynamics. It focuses on writings by authors such as Hanif Kureishi, Zadie Smith, Monica Ali, Jhumpa Lahiri, Khaled Housseini, and Nadia Hashimi to understand how kinship is reimagined in the context of migration and displacement.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 204 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive volume explores the intricate dynamics of kinship within the framework of global mobility, delving into the profound effects of technological advancements throughout the 20th century on the formation and sustenance of real or imagined relationships. Through a literary lens, Lamia Tayeb examines how transnational mobility, biculturalism, and cosmopolitanism have shaped and refined the concerns of various authors regarding family and broader kinship relations. In these literary works, kinship and the family undergo a transformative process, losing their familiar, taken-for-granted nature while still being recognized as vital spheres of relatedness for uprooted individuals and communities.

Tayeb's research focuses on a selection of writings by renowned authors such as Hanif Kureishi, Zadie Smith, Monica Ali, Jhumpa Lahiri, Khaled Housseini, and Nadia Hashimi. By analyzing these works, she seeks to unravel the complex mechanisms of transnational kinship dynamics that extend beyond traditional notions of blood relationships, geographical connections, and communal identities.

One of the key themes that emerge from Tayeb's analysis is the notion of hybridity, which she describes as the blending of multiple cultural and social identities. Transnational mobility, biculturalism, and cosmopolitanism create a complex tapestry of experiences and relationships, blurring the boundaries between different cultures and communities. Individuals and communities are forced to navigate a multifaceted landscape, where their identities are shaped by a multitude of factors, including race, ethnicity, religion, language, and social class.

Tayeb highlights how these factors contribute to the formation of new kinship structures and relationships. For example, she explores how transnational migration has led to the creation of transnational families, where individuals maintain connections with their ancestral homelands and cultural traditions while forming new bonds with their adopted communities. Similarly, she examines how biculturalism has influenced the development of hybrid identities, where individuals embrace aspects of multiple cultures while maintaining a sense of belonging to a specific community.

Another important aspect of Tayeb's study is the role of technology in shaping kinship practices. The advent of communication technologies, such as email, social media, and video conferencing, has facilitated the maintenance of long-distance relationships and the creation of virtual communities. These technologies have also enabled individuals to connect with others who share their interests and experiences, regardless of geographical boundaries.

However, Tayeb also acknowledges the challenges and complexities associated with technology-mediated kinship. She highlights how the reliance on digital communication can lead to a superficial understanding of relationships and a loss of the nuances and complexities of face-to-face interactions. Moreover, the proliferation of online platforms and communities can create a sense of isolation and disconnection, particularly for those who are marginalized or excluded from traditional forms of kinship.

In conclusion, this volume offers a rich and nuanced exploration of kinship within the context of global mobility. Through a literary lens, Tayeb examines how transnational mobility, biculturalism, and cosmopolitanism have shaped and refined the concerns of various authors regarding family and broader kinship relations. She highlights the notion of hybridity, the role of technology in shaping kinship practices, and the challenges and complexities associated with technology-mediated kinship. The book provides valuable insights into the evolving nature of kinship in a rapidly changing world and offers valuable perspectives for scholars, policymakers, and individuals alike.

Weight: 288g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030698911
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021