Interracial relations in Denmark though the optic of LATT (living apart together transnationally) Couples

Interracial relations in Denmark though the optic of LATT (living apart together transnationally) Couples”
Associate Professor Rashmi Singla, Roskilde University, Roskilde , Denmark
This presentation brings together two crucial phenomena about couple relationships - interraciality and distance in a globally relevant context. Based on a research project in Denmark with a global outreach (Singla, 2024) *, the project explores these academically under-researched phenomena, using a newly coined term, Living Apart Together Transnationally - LATT couples.
The empirical study has an interdisciplinary theoretical framework, drawing primarily from social - psychology with a decolonising approach. Broad social contexts, including immigration policies (Singla, 2015) ** and normative 'gender- order' form a background. Maintaining intimacy dealing simultaneously with interracial dynamics and distance is investigated through legal and social matters, followed by "gender positions," emotional aspects, digital technology, physical intimacy, and spirituality. In-depth interviews with 17 heterosexual and three same-sex couples and a follow–up about the Covid-19 pandemic were conducted. The narratives were subjected to interpretive thematic analysis.
The results here focus on the lived experiences of two couples, Danish women with non-EU/Global South partners from India and Benin, respectively. Racial discrimination and the restrictive immigration regime in Denmark, and challenges to the dominant discourse - proximity and cohabitation are necessary for intimacy, are presented. The digital technology’s contribution and limitations in relationship- maintenance and meaning-making through spirituality are shown, underlining adaptation to departure, absence, and return cycles. Suspicions of unconventional intimate relationships across racial divisions and nations, limited acceptance, and policy implications, as well as psychosocial services for LATT couples to promote their mental health, are also delineated. These findings inspire couples and practitioners to deal constructively with intimacy and distance, providing valuable insights.