Paper short abstract:

International migration flows belong to the global processes. Experiences of contemporary migrants are shaped not only by the involvement in cross-border mobility but also (post) modern transformations in society. Taking the case of Poles living in Iceland I am going to discuss the shifting notions of national identity, community and kinship.

Paper long abstract:

International migration flows belong to the global processes. Experiences of contemporary migrants are shaped not only by the involvement in cross-border mobility but also (post) modern transformations in society. Their identities, modes of belonging, family patterns, associations and networking are as much influenced by migration as so-called global culture in which migrants participate.

Taking the case of Poles living in Iceland I am going to discuss the shifting notions of national identity, community and kinship. I will present different linkages Polish migrants establish with the sending country. However, contrary to findings from other scholarly works, sustained contacts Poles keep with place of origin does not necessarily lead to establishing transnational community. I suggest then, that transnationalism in migration studies should not be reduced to the various practices migrants pursue across the borders, but more as a condition and potential for emergence transnational social spaces.