Left-Behind Women in the Context of International Migration: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Introduction: Despite the research on left-behind children, less is known about left-behind women across transnational spaces. The purpose of this scoping review was to assess the extent, range, and nature of the existing body of literature on left-behind women whose partners have migrated across borders. Method: This scoping review was guided by the five-step approach of Arksey and O’Malley. Fifty-four articles that focused on left-behind women across transnational spaces were included. Data were synthesized using descriptive statistics and conventional content analysis. Results: Left-behind women were primarily from Mexico ( n = 13) and the migrants’ place of destination was primarily the United States ( n = 14). We identified two major themes: (a) women’s social, economic and cultural conditions and (b) women’s well-being. Discussion: We identified significant knowledge gaps regarding left-behind women in the context of transnational migration. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

The Effect of Migration on Family in Nepal: A Review on the Family Structure, Livelihood, Education, Aging Parents, Reproductive Health and Marital Relationship

“…Compared to women in households with no current migrants, women in households with migrants in Nepal have increasing responsibilities and decision-making on the family farm (World bank, 2018). As a result of men's migration, when men start sending remittances then the family or wife with children moves to the city or nearby towns for the education of children splitting the family into small fragmented size or women left living with their in-laws and the families become transnational families with their distinct features (Fernández-Sánchez et al, 2020;Singh, 2019).…”

“…When her husband is away, she has to manage the land and make important decisions that he would usually make (Jaquet et al, 2016). Fernández-Sánchez et al (2020) report that autonomy of the decision making, movement, purchasing power, self-determination, independence and financial autonomy has increased and responsibilities and obligations such as agricultural work, caretaker of the children and elderly also increased. However, the migration of man will not always provide the opportunity for the wife to take the role of the household head.…”

“…As men migrate in the search of economic opportunities to improve themselves and their families, reproduction, and responsibility for children are often reinforced to the women (Hendrickson, 2017). There is also a lack of sexual and reproductive health knowledge among left behind wives and their partners (Fernández-Sánchez et al, 2020) which will affect their reproductive health and marital relationship.…”

Transnational migration and Mexican women who remain behind: An intersectional approach

“…A recently published work on women who remain behind across international spaces shed light on two major areas: 1) women’s health; and 2) women’s social, economic, and cultural conditions [ 8 ]. Many mental health concerns, like feelings of loneliness and sadness, stress, and anxiety, are a result of the migrant partner’s absence.…”

Commentary on “Left-Behind Women in the Context of International Migration: A Scoping Review”

“…In this commentary, we want to share our experience on how the findings from our review "Left-Behind Women in the Context of International Migration: A Scoping Review" (Fernández-Sánchez et al, 2020) helped inform policy in Mexico. The review shed light on the sexual and reproductive health issues, particularly HIV, that may arise upon the reunification of transnational migrants and left-behind women.…”