This study analyzed the formation processes of transnational migration and family networks, focusing on the migration of North Korean defectors and Korean-Chinese families. The study applied Actor-Network Theory and the concept of family assemblage to conduct an in-depth analysis of the motivations for transnational migration, the formation and evolution of family networks, and their processes of reconfiguration.
The findings reveal distinct characteristics in the migration motivations and experiences of North Korean defectors and Korean-Chinese families, resulting in differences in the formation and utilization of their family networks. North Korean defectors primarily relied on informal networks to overcome political oppression and threats to survival, transitioning to reconfigured nuclear family networks upon settlement. In contrast, Korean-Chinese families leveraged formal and kinship-based networks to strengthen transnational ties, driven by economic motivations and family reunification.
This study identifies six types of transnational family networks: Key-Link Network, Kinship-Based Network, Sibling-Centered Network, Mixed Network, Partially Excluded Network, and Partially Integrated Network. These typologies highlight how family networks serve as essential resources for economic, emotional, and social support in transnational contexts. The research demonstrates how family members interact and reconfigure networks to adapt to new social environments and drive change.
Through this study, it was confirmed that the family networks of these two migrant groups not only influence economic and emotional resources but also play a significant role in facilitating social integration and reshaping family identity throughout the migration process. The study calls for a comprehensive understanding of family-based migration and network formation, underscoring the need for inclusive and integrated policy designs for transnational migrant families. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of education and program development to enhance multicultural awareness and strengthen social networks within local communities.
This research makes an academic contribution to the study of transnational family networks while addressing the challenges and opportunities faced by North Korean defectors and Korean-Chinese families in integrating into South Korean society. It offers policy implications to foster multicultural coexistence and intercultural transformation.
카카오톡
페이스북
블로그