Globalization and contemporary international labour migration continue to transform women’s lives. Moreover, gender stereotypes, biased cultural norms, biological responsibilities and economic marginalization serve to constrain women disproportionately, particularly mothers. Indeed, globalization and migration increases existing pressures associated with motherhood. They intensify societal expectations of women, and often result in extreme distress. Many transnational mothers suffer in silence with little or no chance to share their stories and be heard. This study explores the experiences of Jamaican transnational mothers in New York City and documents their stories in light of current research which investigates how transnational motherhood transgresses gender stereotypes and pushes the boundaries of gender roles and expectations. The stories shared in this paper vividly capture the women’s narratives of loss, longing, empowerment and shared responsibilities across borders.

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In this article, the author interrogates how Filipino transnational families in Japan circulate love and care through material exchanges and economic transactions. Specifically, the author explains how and why the Filipino traditions of gift-giving and the sending of balikbayan boxes are closely linked to the creation, embodiment and maintenance of familial ties and belonging, despite geographical dispersion. Also, the article shows how the parenting of children is not a dichotomous process between parents and children, but rather, is a wider process of care circulation undertaken by the entire family unit. The rich narratives presented are drawn from a larger multi-sited ethnographic study that was conducted in Japan and the Philippines with migrants and their family members.