Abstract (eng)
In this diploma thesis, 148 family letters written between 1936 and 1958 by the 1938 exiled art historians Hans Tietze and Erika Tietze-Conrat are analyzed in regard of family practices (Doing Family). Doing Family is a praxeological family concept that has not been applied to letter studies yet. Following a theoretical introduction to the topics exile, Doing Family, (transnational) family life and letters as communication medium and source, different stages of life in the USA are identified. Subsequent, the letters are examined for communication practices on the basis of negotiations in letter contacts, as identified by David A. Gerber. In the analyses of family making practices, on the one hand, transnational, cross-generational care-activities, such as sending goods and money, are shown. On the other hand, the integration of ‘non-family-members’ in the family life is shown. This academic work proves that unrelated persons or persons not legally bound to the family (e. g., through adoption or marriage) can become part of a family by taking on care. It also shows that family ties can not only arise on the basis of kindships.