Immigrant women in Barcelona: Coping with the consequences of transnational lives

Abstract

One of the obvious effects of transnationalism is the geographical dispersal and fragmentation of families. Few scholars have looked at this aspect in depth, beyond a mere recognition of the existence of so-called transnational kinship groups. Fewer studies still have considered the implications of transnationalism for women, even though they represent a growing percentage of the migrant population world-wide. The aims of this article are threefold. First, to show the key role that women play in the maintenance of their families and transnational groups; attention is paid to their contribution to the interlocking spheres of productive work, kin work and caring work. Second, to draw attention to the differentiation of transnational practices among two different migrant groups. Third, to spell out some of the consequences that the transnationalisation of social life has for migrant women and their families. These considerations are based on an analysis of the everyday experiences of Moroccan and Filipino women residing in the Southern European city of Barcelona.