Maternal migration: Children’s perception of being left behind

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2017-12-13

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Abstract

For mothers in the Caribbean migration in search of better pay is a way of improving the family financially and creating a better life for their children. Many migrate leaving their children behind in the care of relatives or friends. This disruption can have grave implications for the children left behind. Few studies however have examined the impact of maternal migration from the perspective of the children. In this qualitative study interviews were conducted with 9-11-year-old children (n=15) whose mothers have migrated, in order to understand children’s conceptualizations of their mothers’ migration and of being left behind. Participants for this study were recruited form three primary schools on the island of Grenada in the West Indies. Data were analyzed using interpretive phenomenology. Results indicated that children’s conceptualization of their mothers’ migration was complex and viewed with sadness, fear, and some happiness. Children felt sad at being separated from their mothers, feared being abandoned by their mother, worried about their mothers’ well-being, while being happy that their mothers were now able to better provide for their families.

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Maternal migration

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