Ageing mothers, daughters becoming mothers. Aspirations, frictions and mediations between mothers and daughters in the Italo-Ghanian diaspora

Abstract

This contribution is based on a research conducted with women of the Italo-Ghanaian diaspora. It examines the tensions, divergences and mediations between migrant mothers and their daughters, who grew up and became mothers in Italy. Through three ethnographic cases, the analysis delves into the processes of distancing and rapprochement within this relationship, particularly as mothers age, and daughters transition to adulthood. The aim is to explore continuities and discontinuities between generations, with a focus on the conflicting aspirations cultivated by mothers during their migration, and their daughters’ life choices and priorities. By focusing on relational frictions, the study observes the self-construction processes, positioning
regarding social norms and expectations, and evolving future imaginaries of the two female generations.