Family dynamics, violence and transit migration through Mexico

Abstract

I explore how violence and uncertainty affect straight migrant families in the context of their transit through Mexico. Based on 15 months’ of multi-situated fieldwork, I argue that there are multiple ways for people to react to migration. While some men challenge the masculine patriarchal stereotypes and become more caring, others attempt to reinforce traditional gender roles. Women become resourceful and try to build networks with other women. Some male migrants react to the loss of ownership of space and the fear of sexual violence in Mexico by attempting to limit women’s contact with others, deciding unilaterally where to go, and trying to isolate the family from the rest of the migrant community. Women are thus pushed into an ‘invisible’ domestic sphere while migrating. The article illustrates how migrating women often find themselves subject to the same types of violence they encountered at home while concurrently experiencing new forms (such as sexual violence) on the road. However, by rejecting the position of women as passive recipients of abuse, I explore how women understand and use their perceived vulnerability to obtain information about the road and support from strangers, as well as to create solidarity with other women who are migrating.