Following People, Visiting Places, and Reconstructing Networks. Researching the Spanish Second Generation in Switzerland

Author(s) : Marina Richter, Michael Nollert

Source : https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-94-024-1141-6_13

Abstract:

Although the second generation inherits the transnational networks and practices from its parents, this is seldom analyzed from a transnational point of view. The article explores, therefore, how the second-generation’s transnational networks and practices can be apprehended in empirical terms. We present a research design that was developed and used in a study on the Spanish second generation living in Switzerland. The mixed-methods approach evolves in four phases: (1) biographical interviews about the relationship of the second generation with family and friends in Spain; (2) ego-centric network maps and geographical maps for a structured account of relationships with people and places in Spain and abroad; (3) visits to people and places in Spain, including semi-structured interviews, photographs, and field notes; (4) a third interview with the interviewees of the second generation in Switzerland to comment and interpret together the material collected in Spain using methods such as drawing. We present the research strategy, its methodological implications, and illustrate it with data from the study. We conclude with an overview of the most important results.