Family Dynamics in the Context of Forced Migration

Abstract

Most migration researchers have focused their attention either at the aggregate (community/state/national) – or alternatively at the individual level in studying patterns, causes and consequences of the move. However, there has been a major shift in recent demographic studies by considering family and household as the unit of analysis. This chapter examines the impacts of refugee and forced migration on family formation and dynamics. In doing so, the chapter identifies various aspects of family that are affected by forced movements. The degree to which family is influenced prior to, during, and after an involuntary move is discussed. Various hypotheses on the relationship between forced migration and family change are elaborated. The demographic data needed for the analysis of family change in each of these stages are assessed, and the gaps in the information and data are presented. An illustration of the impact of forced migration on family dynamics will be made using the data on Afghan refugees in Iran. Having reviewed the research on forced migration and family, the current status and future direction of research on the topic are proposed.