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Cited by 2Diaspora, migration, transnational identityMigration and Labor DynamicsIntergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving

Rethinking transnational parenting: Chinese immigrant parents’ family separation during COVID-19

Wu, Mengyao, del Rey Poveda, Alberto·2025·Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies
DOI 10.1080/1369183x.2025.2455434
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Abstract

Despite recent studies on cross-border immobility associated with COVID-19, little attention has been paid to the resulting prolonged separation of transnational families. This study attempts to fill this gap by examining the experiences of immigrant parents who were separated from their young children across national borders during the pandemic. Drawing on 42 in-depth interviews with parents of Chinese transnational families in Spain, this study examined the impact of global mobility restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic on transnational immigrant families’ separation experiences. Our findings indicate that following the disruptions caused by the pandemic, immigrant parents had to postpone family visits and reunification with their children, ultimately causing stress and frustration. The disruptive life experiences caused by COVID-19 have raised awareness of the distance between immigrant parents and led Chinese families to rethink their transnational parenting practices. This study contributes to our knowledge of transnational parent−child relationships and how they are shaped by (im)mobility regimes and state interventions in times of crisis. Beyond the context of COVID-19, this study calls to look beyond the current frameworks of structural constraints on immigration policies and extend attention to the uncertainties associated with the changing global context in which transnational parenting is embedded.

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Crossref · 10.1080/1369183x.2025.2455434

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48 of 48 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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Authors
Wu, M., & del Rey Poveda, A.
Affiliations
  • Universidad de Salamanca (ES)
  • University of Salamanca
Corresponding author
Wu, Mengyao
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
2025-01-23
Volume
51
Issue
9
Pages
2183-2202
ISSN
  • 1369-183X (ISSN-L)
  • 1469-9451
DOI
10.1080/1369183x.2025.2455434
OpenAlex
W4406808987
Cited by
2
References
49
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 1
FWCI
4.66
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (PID2021-123875NB-I00)
  • Government of Castilla y León (EDU/875/2021)
  • European Social Fund
  • China Scholarship Council
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Demography › Diaspora, migration, transnational identity
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Migration and Labor Dynamics
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving
Keywords
transnational parenting, Chinese immigrant parents, family separation, COVID-19 pandemic, parent-child relationship, family reunification, immigration restrictions

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