Gender, Families and International Migration

This paper examines the relationship between gender, family dynamics, and international migration, with particular attention to women’s migration in Europe and Latin America. It argues that a gender perspective is essential for understanding contemporary migration, since women are no longer merely considered accompanying family members but independent social and economic actors. The paper discusses the feminization of migration, while showing that global migrant stocks do not necessarily indicate a general increase in female migration, but rather the existence of specific highly feminized migration flows. It also analyzes how migration reshapes family structures, marital trajectories, motherhood, transnational family arrangements, and gender relations within couples. Drawing on examples from Latin America, Spain, the United States, and South-South migration contexts, the paper highlights how migrant women may gain responsibilities and economic roles without necessarily achieving greater autonomy, empowerment, or equality. It also addresses labor market segmentation, especially domestic and care work, and the vulnerability of migrant families during economic crises. The paper concludes that migration transforms gender and family relations, but does not automatically dismantle patriarchal structures. Public policies should therefore protect migrants’ rights, support family stability, and promote gender equality across countries of origin and destination.