A transnational approach to migration has not only changed our perspective on cross-border social processes, but also sharpened our conceptual repertoire in describing them. It has also significantly reframed research methods and methodologies (Boccagni 2012b; Amelina et al. 2013). Accordingly, different methods of data collection and analysis are used in the different chapters presented here. Qualitative (Chapter 5) and quantitative methods (Chapters 6, 8 and 9) are used, as well as a combination of both (Chapter 7). This chapter first presents the data and methods used in this study and then discusses their strengths and weaknesses in the light of some methodological reflections upon empirical transnational migration research.

Data Collection and Analysis

This study looks at older Peruvians within the context of international migration. Mass emigration from Peru is a rather recent phenomenon that has been shown to have a substantial older adult component (Durand 2010; Escriva & Skinner 2006). At the same time, many older people experienced the emigration of younger relatives and the birth of grandchildren abroad (de Bruine et al. 2013). What makes Peruvian migration an interesting case for research is that ‘few migrant populations are as heterogeneous in terms of geographical dispersal and social diversity as the Peruvian’ (Paerregaard 2010: 2– 3). These characteristics appear to be particularly suited for exploring interrelationships between different migration regimes, social class and transnational families‘ practices and arrangements older Peruvians are involved in. Given the difficulty in defining older people (Gorman 1999; Thane 1989), an analytical decision to include individuals aged 50 years and above was taken, keeping in mind the heterogeneity of this group not only with regard to chronological age but also regarding their social roles, health and so on.

The empirical findings from qualitative research stem from semi-structured interviews conducted in 2012 with 27 Peruvians aged between 57 and 86 in Barcelona, the Peruvian capital Lima, the rural Peruvian town of Ica and the nearby village of Guadalupe. Semi-structured interviews are particularly suited for one-time interviews when researchers want to make sure that certain topics of interest are addressed (Bernard 1994).