Though a seemingly stable concept in ethnological work,
“family” as a lived reality took and takes on innumerable forms
shaped by economic pressures, mobility and attendant social
transformations, and biotechnical interventions. The case studies
in this special issue focus on the ways in which social actors seek
to concretize as well as control what family could or should be.
While (bio-)technological innovation proves vital to fulfill
traditional imaginaries of a nuclear family, communication
technology is a key to keep transnationally situated families in
contact. Still, transnational work opportunities conflict with
traditional imaginaries of the wholesome families and impact
particularly women seeking to cross both borders and established
family norms. Popular genealogy as a hobby and passion
uncovers evidence that counters established narratives: instead
of long-term sedentary family lineages, evidence of migration
muddies the waters. Family metaphor, finally, serves, in one of
the case studies, as vocabulary to materialize imaginary kinship
ties among nuns. The five case studies are complemented by four
commentaries, exploring paths along which these themes can be
developed further.
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