Doing and Displaying Transnational Grandchildhood: Immigrant Children in Poland

Abstract

In contemporary migration studies, the phenomenon of transnationalism has become increasingly prominent, reshaping the traditional patterns of family structures and dynamics. Central to this evolving discourse are the experiences of immigrant children who negotiate the complex intersections of identity, belonging and familial connections across national borders. Research has largely overlooked transnational childhood and grandchildhood in Poland; therefore, this study aims to gain insights into the processes of ‘doing’ and ‘displaying’ transnational grandchildhood among immigrant children in Poland with their grandparents across the borders. Qualitative data were collected by interviewing immigrant children (N = 20) and their parents (N = 19) in Poland. Our analysis reveals core themes elucidating the dynamics of maintaining transnational familial ties through children's active engagement across borders, daily interactions and the influential role of the ‘audience’ in displaying transnational grandchildhood. Furthermore, this study underlined the role of children's agency in maintaining relationships with grandparents across borders.