This article introduces a novel transnational family configuration (TNFC) approach to study the diversity of family forms across kinship and geographical boundaries. Integrating theoretical insights from family sociology and transnational family research, it examines contemporary families as personal networks that encompass both subjectively identified and potentially transnationally dispersed kin and non-kin members. Drawing on original survey data and in-depth interviews with adults aged 55+ living in Switzerland, it compares migrants’ and non-migrants’ personal family networks. The results indicate that these networks are both diverse and transnational. Although there is a strong correlation between transnationality and migration background, other life-course factors also contribute to the development of transnational family networks beyond the scope of migrant ‘exceptionalism’. By advocating the adoption of a TNFC approach to the study of contemporary families, in diverse population groups and various cultural contexts, this study paves the way for future research in this area.

中文翻译：

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跨国家庭的配置方法：对于流动老年人来说，谁的家庭在哪里？

本文介绍了一种新颖的跨国家庭配置（TNFC）方法来研究跨越亲属关系和地理界限的家庭形式的多样性。它整合了家庭社会学和跨国家庭研究的理论见解，将当代家庭视为个人网络，其中包括主观识别的和潜在跨国分散的亲属和非亲属成员。它利用原始调查数据和对居住在瑞士的 55 岁以上成年人的深入访谈，比较了移民和非移民的个人家庭网络。结果表明这些网络既多样化又跨国。尽管跨国性和移民背景之间存在很强的相关性，但其他生命历程因素也有助于超越移民“例外论”范围的跨国家庭网络的发展。通过提倡采用 TNFC 方法来研究不同人群和不同文化背景下的当代家庭，本研究为该领域的未来研究铺平了道路。