Paper short abstract:

In this paper, I will present how intergenerational ties are represented in these coping strategies and contributing to rebuilding a sense of community when in many cases the ties expand in multiple locality.

Paper long abstract:

Transnational families in migration literature is expanding as we speak. It not only provides various patterns of family that expand beyond international borders but also offers new perspectives on family dynamics along the line of gender, aging, and intergenerational relationships. Administrating a family life in multiple locality is often a household strategy among transnational families.

Guided by these literature, first, I will explore a coping strategy of former residents of Fukushima and its vicinity who decided to move out after the nuclear meltdown post Tohoku earthquake, and examine how they are administering family lives in multiple locality. Some family decided to emigrate together as a household, while for others, several family members remained due to work and family commitments and education of children, while other members, especially among mother with young children, decided to leave. This arrangement has split a family life into two (or more) locality.

When faced with abrupt changes in our daily lives due to disasters, we take on various coping strategies which include denial, connecting with others for social support, and weaving a new narrative. In this paper, I will present how family dynamics in multiple locality are changing family dynamics along the line of gender, aging, and intergenerational relationships. I will specifically examine how intergenerational ties are represented in these coping strategies and contributing to rebuilding a sense of community when in many cases the ties expand in multiple locality.