The image of a transnational family in the context of the concept of stigma and stigmatisation

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to define the stereotypical image of a transnational family in the context of the concept of stigma and stigmatisation. The analysis is based on the assumptions of the interactive theory, with particular reference to Erving Goffman’s concept of stigma. The introductory part of the paper, dealing with the underlying social  consequences of the functioning of transnational families, has been based on the characteristics of Polish post-EU accession migrations, with particular focus on the current issues. Attention has been paid to the legal problem connected with migrations of parents and resulting from these migrations failure of migrant parents to exercise their parental responsibility. The article also presents various views on the definition of a transnational family, being an alternative to the socio-cultural construct of a full family. The key theme in the discussion presented in the paper is the focus on the role of ‘social audience’ in the creation of the stigmatisation of a ‘euro-orphan’.