Male migration and the Lebanese family : impact on the wife left behind; an Arab families working group policy brief

Date

2011-12

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Abstract

The study analyzes data collected from a sample of households in which the husband migrated to work abroad. Remittances were sent by all migrants to their families who stayed behind, either on a regular basis or sporadically. In most cases (83.2%), these remittances represented between 75% and 100% of the monthly family income. The wife left behind assumes new roles outside the domestic domain that is traditionally hers. The study indicates she performs tasks that he was expected to perform; as a result, she may inadvertently become more involved in the decision-making process and more empowered in the public sphere.

Description

Brief based on article published in Journal of Middle East Women's Studies, Fall 2009

Keywords

GENDER ROLES, MIGRANTS, MEN'S ROLE, WOMEN'S ROLE, ECONOMIC CONDITIONS, FAMILY WELFARE, REMITTANCES, LEBANON

Citation

DOI