An analysis of the impact of labour migration on the lives of women in Lesotho

Abstract

The women of Lesotho live their lives in reaction to the overwhelming outmigration of their men to work in South Africa. At any time, 40 to 60 per cent of married women are living as wives of absent men. A number of viewpoints on these women's lives in the light of this are apparent; in particular, one describing their position as extremely difficult, and another, by contrast, postulating supports that would mitigate this difficulty. The present study represents the first empirical investigation of the wives’ lives in their husbands’ absence. Five hundred and twenty‐four wives of absent migrants were studied throughout Lesotho. Data were obtained as to the women's characteristics, attitudes, and, through the development of a strain score, those in the greatest difficulty. The findings suggested a process by which wives of migrants find themselves in increasing difficulty and supported the view of the wives’ position as extremely difficult. It did not support those positing mitigating circumstances. Speculation as to conditions extant in Lesotho which contribute to this difficulty was presented and accordingly, discretion urged in applying conclusions to other settings.