Adulthood Identity Maps and Life Course Scenarios in the Context of Transnational Childhood Experiences

Abstract

The article analyses how the subjective experience of transnational life in childhood affects Lithuanian adult children during their adulthood life stage. Semi-structured indepth interviews with young people (18–35 years old), who experienced the migration of both or one of their parents, highlighted the subjective adulthood aspects that influence the stage of adulthood and allowed one to reveal the peculiarities of their identities and life course scenarios. In public discourse, living at a distance often has a negative connotation, but in the period of adulthood, this experience is seen as nurturing and encouraging early independence. The experience of transnational life in childhood, individual agency and social environment form unique life course scenarios and a unique map of identities.