Familjetajming och parentetisk dislokalisering

Abstract

The article, based on 43 narrative interviews with Swedish physicians and molecular biologists, discusses how a “family timing” and family adjustment may be crucial factors in highly skilled international mobility. In the narratives, the family often creates a kind of inertia and complication for a prolonged period of working abroad. The interviewees’ dreams of career development, learning new theories and methods or “making a difference” in the world must be negotiated with a partner pursuing his/her own career, as well as the rest of the family. There are also a lot of logistics and practicalities to take care of. But international mobility is also regarded as an amazing opportunity for the whole family to be together, to learn about new cultural and social contexts – even if it also influences gender roles and the ideals of dual careers, equal relationship and a respectful parenthood, vital parts of the image of Swedish middle class.