Shifting responsibilities in migrant matrifocal households: A look at transnational households in the Caribbean

Abstract

This research concerns itself with characteristics of contemporary migrations, such as an increased emphasis on temporary relocations over permanent resettlements, an engagement with socionormative gender roles within migrant households, and an increased focus on women's participation on both ends of the migratory spectrum. The decision to involve both migrants and non-migrants into this study results from the acknowledgment that both groups play different but invaluable roles in sustaining international migratory practices. To investigate these contemporary migration practices, this thesis performs a gendered analysis of Canada's Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP) with emphasis placed on Caribbean migrants and Barbadian non-migrants who participate in international labour migration The research locations for this study were Canada and Barbados.