Aspiring for the children: parenthood in Türkiye amid forced displacement

Abstract

This chapter takes parenthood at the centre of analysis to reflect on how local configurations and transnational feedback received by displaced parents inform their future aspirations. Based on 45 semi-structured interviews conducted with Syrian and Afghan displaced people, living in Turkey, I argue that parental aspirations take over individual aspirations, especially for those with small children. Some displaced parents see onward migration as the only path to a better future for their children, while others prefer staying in Turkey for their family's moral well-being, despite hardship and discrimination. They justify their, at times acquiescent, preference to stay put not only in relation to risks associated with border crossings but also with the difficulties of raising their children and safeguarding their family unity in a non-Muslim society. In responding to what shapes parental aspirations, the paper sheds light on the importance of imaginations as well as the impact of positive and negative feedback from transnational connections along with tangible factors.