‘I Kiss the Screen, But It Is Not the Same’ — Grandparenting in Geographically Dispersed Families

Abstract

Taking the perspective of grandparents living in the origin country, our article is innovative in examining a range of ties within social networks, not only transnational ones but also family ties in-country with both close-by and geographically dispersed relatives. We analyse focus group discussions with Polish grandparents whose grandchildren live in different locations. Thus, we are looking at transnational ties as part of interlocking personal networks spanning distances, including internal migration. By comparing grandparents’ interactions with those who are near and far, we advance understanding of how distance impacts feelings of closeness and bonding between generations. This networks lens reveals how varied communication practices and contact patterns affect emotional wellbeing of ageing (grand)parents at origin. Although technology helps maintain contact, especially transnationally, it does not offer a multisensory experience—a limitation which becomes evident when compared with in-person childcare and family socialising.