Perceptions of Grandparents About Challenges and Opportunities in Transferring Traditional Knowledges to Their Overseas Grandchildren

Abstract

This study explores the impacts of migration on intergenerational relationship, particularly emphasizing on the dynamics of transnational grandparenting. As the most evident impact of migration on family structure has duly resulted in changing the role of grandparents; this study further investigates both the opportunities and constraints that grandparents face while performing their role in a transnational context.

Employing a qualitative research methodology, data was collected through semi-structured interviews. Using purposive sampling the data was collected from five primary and three subordinate participants. Thematic data analysis method has been employed in analysing the data because of its suggestive and latent characteristics, which are proven useful to navigate the nuanced experiences gained by the participants while fulfilling their roles across borders. This technique has become efficient analysing method to explore underlying codes from data on intergenerational relationships in a transnational context.

The findings indicate that intensifying interest of grandchildren in using English language has affected in the quality of communication within grandparent-grandchildren dyad. Grandparents’ efforts for preserving cultural heritage - through sharing traditional knowledges, promoting native language, and revitalizing the identity - are on the verge of brink. Furthermore, the quality in interaction between these two generations are immensely compromised due to the challenges of different time zones, insufficient support of middle generation, degrading health, and language barriers.