MIGRATION

Does Migration Fulfils hopes and expectations? A case study of Nigerian women living in Dublin

Student Declaration

[On the completion of Thesis]

Acknowledgment

[On the completion of Thesis]

Abbreviations

[On the completion of Thesis]

Glossary of Terms

[On the completion of Thesis]

Abstract

In this study we try to explore the concept of migration in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on the motivation of Nigerian Women and its relation with migration. Policymakers throughout the world are seeking to make migration a win-win-win situation - for host countries, source countries, and the migrants themselves. In thinking through strategies to increase the benefits of migration, it is important to keep the gender dimension in mind. (Koser, 2007) Women have been an important component of international migration during the past four decades. As of 2005, about 49.6 percent of the world's migrants were women, up from 46.8 percent in 1960. (Arthur, 1991, and Begun, 1999) A gendered perspective is essential to understanding both the causes and consequences of international migration. (Rolston and Shannon, 2002) Gender inequality can be a powerful factor in precipitating migration, particularly when women have economic, political, and social expectations that actual opportunities at home do not meet. (Mckeown, 1997) Globalization, with its emphasis on communications, trade, and investment, has increased knowledge of options within and outside of home countries, and it has opened up a range of new opportunities for women outside of their own homes. (Carling, 2004) However, globalization has also failed to live up to its potential, leaving women throughout the world in poverty and without economic, social, or political rights. Migration may be the best, or indeed, the only way out of such situations for women. (De Jong et al. 1996) Family formation and family reunification are reasons of significant impetus for moving internationally just as they are for moving internally. (Shah, 2000) Typically, upon marriage, one or both spouses move from the family home to a new residence. Usually, this move occurs within the same country, but it can involve relocation to a new country. A spouse may also move internationally for work purposes and then bring family members to reunify in the new area. Alternatively, a worker or student may marry a resident of another place and then shift from being a temporary or circular migrant to a permanent resident. Increasing numbers of women are now migrating on their own for employment purposes. (Carling, 2004) In countries such as the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia, a majority of emigrants are women, many of whom seek jobs to support their families left behind in the home country. The migration experience itself is highly gendered, particularly in relation to social and family relationships and employment experiences. (Crawford, 2002) Traditionally, most women have migrated internationally to join husbands or fathers who paved the way for them. As a result, their ability to remain in the destination country is often contingent on their familial relationship. When marriage to a citizen or permanent resident is the only, or principal, route to admission, marriage fraud ...