Migration decisions and life trajectories of mobile Lithuanians amidst the global unsettling events

• In Event: Migration from the Baltic States

Abstract

This paper explores how mobile Lithuanians perceive the growing uncertainty stemming from recent global macro-level changes and their effects on their lives. Drawing on the conceptual framework of "unsettling events" and theoretical concepts developed for studying transnational families, the author investigates the effects of such unsettling events as the Covid-19 pandemic and Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on mobile individuals in the Baltic context. Empirical data for this analysis is derived from a qualitative visual sociology research study, including interviews with more than 40 Lithuanians with direct migration experience, conducted between 2022 and 2023. The inquiry delves into how heightened uncertainty influences migration decisions, familial and personal relationship dynamics, life trajectories, and daily experiences of mobile Lithuanians. Findings highlight the pronounced impact of the pandemic on the relational dimension, particularly in romantic and filial relationships maintained across borders, while Russia's full-scale invasion in Ukraine primarily affected the subjective domain, intensifying the sense of ontological insecurity. The increasing uncertainty and associated feelings of insecurity may contribute to decisions of non-return and repeated departures from Lithuania. Conversely, familial connections, shared historical backgrounds, and solidarity could influence return choices despite increased uncertainty in the region, as indicated by the study's findings.

Short Bio

Dr. Irma Budginaitė-Mačkinė holds the position of Associate Professor of Sociology at Vilnius University, Lithuania. Her ongoing research concentrates on the depiction of migrants in both media and academic discourses, intergenerational relations, and the conceptualization of migration experiences in the midst of unsettling events. Presently, Irma represents Lithuania in two COST actions: CA21143 TraFaDy, focused on transnational family dynamics, and CA20115 ENIS, centered on international student mobility. She serves as a board member of the European Sociological Association RN13 and is a member of the Nordic-Baltic network HROMADA WG1 “Refugees and migrants”. Previously, she was involved in coordinating the interdisciplinary Nordic-Baltic study group titled “Racialization, Whiteness, and Politics of Othering in Contemporary Europe” as part of the Nordic Summer University from 2021 to 2023.

Author

• Irma Budginaitė-Mačkinė, Vilnius University