Transnational family relationships, social networks and return migration among British-Caribbean young people

The study explores the issue of transnational family relationships and return migration among British-Caribbean second generation young people.1 It describes how transnational family ties and social networks are utilized as social capital resources to facilitate these young people's migration from Britain to the Caribbean, their parents' country of origin. A combination of internally formed and externally imposed understandings of ethnic identity, home and belonging are also important factors influencing these young people's decision to migrate to the Caribbean, alongside other pragmatic and practical reasons. Drawing on in-depth interviews with a qualitative sample of second generation return migrants residing in Jamaica, the discussion reflects on how these young people manage their adjustment and settlement. It also explores the gendered nature of their experiences of return migration.