Navigating Transnational Lives: The Experiences of Lithuanian Single Mothers and Their Children

This presentation examines the migration experiences of Lithuanian single mothers and their children, driven by financial challenges and insufficient support in their home country, as they seek better opportunities in Germany, Norway, and the UK. The methodology combines policy analysis with semi-structured interviews, providing insights into the barriers and opportunities these families face, while navigating migration.

Using life-course theory, the study explores how family boundaries shift and identities are redefined throughout the migration process—first, as families live apart, then as children join their mothers, and finally, as decisions are made regarding long-term settlement in the host country. It also delves into changes in perceptions and identity, emphasizing the impact of available support in the host countries on mothers' decisions, as well as shifts in children’s identities and their relationships with their fathers and extended family members who remain in Lithuania. Additionally, it addresses the evolving connection to both the host country and Lithuania, as well as future plans regarding return migration.

This research contributes to ongoing discussions about how transnational families reorganize their lives, perform familial roles, and adapt to the socio-political environments of their host countries, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities within their unique family arrangements.