Labour migration favours a growing intensity of circulating movements of people, goods, information and symbols across national borders. Positively influenced by new communication technologies, infrastructure and money transfer, national borders are crossed physically and mentally in everyday life by transmigrants. Transnationalism is hence a new form of a bounded-nomadic way of living as it implicates a movement between two fixed localities (Pries 2008). In the case of the Mexican migrants, the recruitment politics of the U.S. of low-skilled and cheap labour launched unintentionally a self-sustaining migration-process between Mexico and U.S., which over the years became more diversified concerning local origins, sex and status of migrants (Massey/Goldring 1994). As transnational fields are multi-layered and multi-sited forms of interaction between individuals, families and nation-states’ practices, we have to rethink boundaries of social life – culturally and geographically (Glick 2001: 1002/3). The creation of a transnational migration networks and the formation of Mexican communities in the U.S. facilitated the situation for future migrants and set the basis for family reunification and chain migration (Massey/Goldring 1994, Espinosa 1997). Speaking of an extension of social life in the process of transnationalization means that kinship and family networks are re-constituted across national borders - simultaneously marked by gendered differences in power and status. Today, we observe the new phenomena of feminization of migration.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Transnational Migration and Gender
2. Motives and Circumstances of Migration
3. Women's Roles in Settlement
4. Incorporation and Transnational Processes
5. Inter-familial Relations and Micro-level Bargaining
6. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Core Themes
The paper examines the "feminization of migration" within the context of Mexican-U.S. transnational social fields, analyzing how gendered geographies of power influence migration motives, settlement patterns, and the negotiation of traditional values within migrant families.
- Gendered dynamics in transnational migration and incorporation.
- Impact of migration on patriarchal family structures and women's autonomy.
- Women’s roles in local settlement versus men's transnational engagement.
- Negotiation of identities between host-country norms and home-country traditions.
- The role of the state and transnational programs in shaping gendered behavior.
Excerpt from the Book
Secondly, women play key-roles in settlement, as they engage highly in the local environment in the interest of welfare of their families.
They have a long-term interest in permanent settlement and hence investment in durable goods (Massey/Goldring 1994). As such they come in touch with local state-institutions (public sphere) and adapt faster to norms and values of the new society. This behaviour is additionally explained by perceptions of advantages in the host-society which comes from their new-gained economic freedom, access to social security and support institutions for women (in the case of domestic violence, migration issues) and other benefits.
Women often gain a higher degree of status and autonomy in comparison to their home-countries, which they consolidate by permanent settlement and equal labour division in the households (Mahler 1999, Hondagneu-Sotelo 1994, Goldring 2001). Their mediating role between tradition (Mexico) and modernism (USA) lead to more cooperative roles and improved their bargaining position vice versa their husbands (Pedraza 1991).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction to Transnational Migration and Gender: Outlines the theoretical shift towards transnationalism and introduces the research question concerning the gendered nature of the Mexican-U.S. migration system.
2. Motives and Circumstances of Migration: Discusses how social networks and patriarchal restrictions influence women's decisions to migrate and how these motives differ from those of men.
3. Women's Roles in Settlement: Explains why women are more likely to focus on local integration and durable investments compared to male migrants.
4. Incorporation and Transnational Processes: Analyzes the tension between long-term settlement (incorporation) and the maintenance of ties to the home country.
5. Inter-familial Relations and Micro-level Bargaining: Explores how men and women evaluate transnational activities differently based on their social status and family responsibilities.
6. Conclusion: Summarizes that gender is a constantly negotiated social construct and calls for state responsibility to address the impacts of transnational migration.
Keywords
Transnationalism, Mexican Migration, Feminization of Migration, Gendered Geographies, Social Networks, Incorporation, Settlement, Patriarchy, Transnational Social Fields, Labour Division, Bargaining Power, Migration Policy, Family Reunification, Integration, Gender Roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The paper explores the intersection of transnational migration and gender, specifically focusing on the Mexican-U.S. migration experience and the resulting changes in family dynamics and social status.
What are the central themes discussed?
Central themes include the feminization of migration, the impact of settlement on gender roles, the difference between male and female transnational engagement, and how women navigate the space between traditional home-country values and host-country modernism.
What is the main research objective?
The objective is to understand the specific role women take within the transnational migration system and how they defend their values and negotiate status within the family and the nation-state.
Which scientific approach is utilized?
The work employs a qualitative analysis of sociological literature and existing case studies regarding transnational migration, gendered geographies of power, and incorporation processes.
What is the main subject of the chapters?
The chapters trace the migration process from the initial decision to leave, through settlement and integration in the U.S., to the long-term negotiation of transnational ties and familial status.
Which keywords best characterize the research?
The research is characterized by terms such as Transnationalism, Feminization of Migration, Incorporation, Gendered Geographies, and Transnational Social Fields.
How does the author describe the difference between male and female migration motivations?
The author notes that while men often used temporary migration as a "rite of passage," women tended to migrate with the intention of settling and overcoming patriarchal restrictions to improve their families' well-being.
What does the text suggest about the role of the state in transnational activities?
The author argues that state-institutions on both sides of the border must be aware of their responsibilities to create better development strategies and prevent exploitative forms of migration, such as sex trafficking.
- Citation du texte
- Mirjam Moegele (Auteur), 2009, The feminization of migration and the impact on transnational social fields and incorporation, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/147112
