From Caregivers to Caregiving: An Approach to the Transnational Reconfiguration of Carein Cuban-Origin Families over Three Generations

This paper examines the mobility of the Cuban population, with particular emphasis on the dynamics of elder care within transnational families. The Cuba-Spain-United States triangle serves as a clear example of cross mobilities (Oso, Cortés, & Sáiz, 2017), historically constructed within these transnational families. We will study the migratory exchanges between these three spaces, focusing on family well-being and placing care at the centre of analysis (Solís, Martínez-Buján, & Paredes, 2018).

The main objective is to adopt an intersectional approach to the study of support networks in the organisation of care, in order to explore how mobility and care practices have been reconfigured within these families across three generations. A generational approach is employed, both at the socio-historical and family levels. However, our analysis will primarily focus on demographic generations, age, as it is a determining factor in the definition of care strategies, and consequently, in mobility and (im)mobility processes.

This research presents a methodological proposal grounded in a mixed-methods design. We begin with the cross-narratives of members of the same family, aiming to construct family life histories from diverse perspectives, including gender, generation, and place of residence. Based on this qualitative material, we develop genograms—graphs with significant potential to reflect the dynamics of family mobility and immobility (Golías, 2017). Additionally, we incorporate network analysis, a tool that applies a relational perspective through graph analysis, focusing on social interactions (Lozares et al., 2011). This allows us to identify and visually represent family solidarity strategies using a multidimensional approach, capable of addressing the dynamism and intensity of the relationships established among family members around care.