Mobility, family, and gender: A transnational approach

Abstract

Mobility in transnational spaces modifies the relationships between individuals and within families and households in both sending and host countries. The impacts of gender on individuals‟ behaviour essentially establish the long-term effects migration brings in their lives. In this paper, after presenting the theoretical grounding of the research group “transnational lives, mobility and gender” (TLM&G)2, I will discuss the epistemological implications and choices involved in the methods of data collection in transnational mobility studies. I will conclude pointing to the necessity of rethinking mobility and family studies in a transnational gendered perspective through the adaptation of methodological instruments to the reality of contemporary human mobility. The general aim of the TLM&G research group is to explore the impact of mobility on individuals‟ lives, considering family and household relationships, and taking into account how integration experiences are affected by gender representations and selfperceptions. From the academic point of view, this research group will reinforce the sociological approach and the scientific background in this area in European and African countries, with a potential impact on transnationalism, migration, and family studies. Looking at mobility as a human right and opportunity for individuals and families, the aim is to contribute to a renewed theoretical approach on the differentiated conditions pertaining to migration access in the origin society as well as a differentiated scope of social integration in the host society.