Transnational Families in Africa: Migrants and the role of Information Communication Technologies

Transnational Families in Africa explores the experiences of transnational African families using Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to mediate their migration and caring across distance. It highlights the importance of kinship and support, as well as the digital divide and generational gaps. The book makes a groundbreaking contribution to global debates on migration from the Global South.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: Wits University Press

This groundbreaking book delves into the poignant stories of transnational African families and their innovative use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to navigate the challenges of migration and care across vast distances. Transnational Families in Africa offers a comprehensive analysis of the experiences of family separation resulting from migration in three distinct contexts: rural-to-urban migration within South Africa, migration from other African countries to South Africa, and middle-class South Africans emigrating to non-African destinations.

The book underscores the critical role of kinship and the support of extended family in mitigating the hardships of migration. It sheds light on the responsibilities and feelings of migratory family members, as well as the profound sense of loss experienced by those left behind. Despite the diverse circumstances explored, the book reveals common strategies employed by migrants to maintain communication and connection, highlighting both the similarities and disparities in access to ICTs and their ease of use.

This study highlights the digital divide and generational gaps that exist within transnational family networks. While some families leverage technology to stay connected, others face limitations due to factors such as limited access, language barriers, and technological literacy. These disparities highlight the ongoing challenges faced by families in the Global South, particularly in accessing essential resources and services.

Despite these challenges, the transnational family phenomenon continues to thrive globally. This book makes a significant contribution to the ongoing debates on migration from the Global South, offering valuable insights into the experiences, strategies, and challenges faced by these families. By examining the complexities of kinship, technology, and distance, Transnational Families in Africa provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the evolving dynamics of global migration.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781776148646