Refamilisation in the broadband society – the effects of ICTs on family solidarity in Finland

Abstract

In this article we explore the effects that new information and communication technologies (ICTs) have on family relations in Finland. The idea of ‘new connectivities’ works as a starting point for the study directing attention to ICT-mediated forms of being together with distant family members. The research data consists of 22 student reports encompassing a total of 133 informants from extended Finnish families. Extended group interview (EGI) technique was developed and used for data collection in order to grasp the underlying social practices and values behind the use of ICTs in extended families. The results show that new ICTs, especially mobile social media, enhance family solidarity among family members who do not live in the same household. The concept of ‘refamilisation’ is introduced to encapsulate the diverse effects of new ICTs such as democratization of the family, rise of proxy persons, intensification, and compartmentalization of family communication on family solidarity.