Moving Russia(ns): Intergenerational Transmission of Memories Abroad and at Home

Introduction

Children of migrants are exposed to two national histories: those told in their country of residence and those relating to their family's homeland. However, it remains unclear how the intergenerational transmission of historical views shapes the relationship migrants cultivate with "here" and "there".

Project Overview

Applying theories of intergenerational transmission and second-generation transnationalism, MoveMeRU addresses this urgent gap and compares the historical memories of migrants and non-migrants across two generations. It studies the Russian migrant population in a favourable, hostile, and neutral reception context, looking at Germany, Estonia, and Canada. Like many other autocracies, Russia uses historical memories to appeal to the emotions of citizens at home and abroad and strengthen their sense of belonging to Russia.

Academic Contributions

The project will make major academic contributions in three areas:

1. Understanding the historical identification of young adults in migrant and non-migrant families with their parents' country of origin.
2. Identifying when the memories of migrant and non-migrant families converge or diverge across generations.
3. Determining what historical memories contribute to solidarity and pluralistic political attitudes.

Methodology

MoveMeRU entails a groundbreaking triangulation of methods:

1. Parent-child opinion surveys on views on history among migrant communities and nationals in the three countries of destination and Russia.
2. Cross-generational focus groups in the same countries.
3. Analysis of historical narratives in media targeting Russian speakers abroad.

Implications

The project will refine our understanding of differences and similarities in the intergenerational transmission of memories in migrant and non-migrant families, offering important insights into the drivers of and obstacles to integration. The results have major implications for political decision-making in countries of destination and for public awareness about intergenerational shifts within migrant communities.