Migrating women and transnational relations: Swedish-American connections since the 1920s

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article analyses the ways in which Swedish and Swedish-American women in the United States have maintained transnational connections with Sweden. Empirically, the article details the organizational profiles and activities of two associations: the American Daughters of Sweden, founded in 1926, and the Swedish Women’s Educational Association, formed in 1979. By studying the post-mass migration period, the article provides new insight into an era that has received little attention in Swedish-American scholarship. The study shows that women actively engaged in, and vigorously nurtured cultural, social and business-related contacts with Sweden. By establishing these transnational connections, women became prominent actors in upholding and redefining Swedish-American relations.