Changing roles and attitudes of women staying behind in split households when men emigrate: The story of the secluded Greek island of Kythera with mass emigration to Australia

Abstract

This article deals with the neglected issue of changing roles and attitudes of women staying behind when the male members of the family emigrate. It focuses on emigration from the small Greek island of Kythera, with the population of Kytherian origin in Australia more than 20 times its current inhabitants. Male emigration to Australia, just before and after the Second World War, would not have been possible had women (wives and daughters) not taken on the role and activities of the departing husband, son, or brother. This new role of women brought about considerable changes in the running and the sustenance of the household, as well as in attitudes vis-a-vis the micro-social environment of the village, and the island at large. The article analyzes various social and economic dimensions of the new regime of the split migrant household and highlights the gender issues emerging from the new responsibilities and activities of the women involved.