Abstract
The emphasis on migration for development obscures its diverse challenges. The migration development nexus is paradoxical, problematic, and controversial. Remittances have long gained wide interest. Migrants’ subjective experiences are important in understanding overall migration outcomes. International African female migration has increased and it is underexplored. This paper investigates the psychosocial stressors of migration based on the lived experiences of Kenyan female migrants in Austria. A sample of 6 female migrants was selected. Narrative data were recorded and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The findings showed that migration resulted in troubled relationships within the core and extended families. The economic dependency of family members in Kenya caused conflicts in interracial marriages. Acculturation led to alienation, family separation and isolation. Achieving economic goals proved challenging due to unpredictable effects in Austria. Failed expectations driven by stereotypes about Europe resulted in disillusionment and high expenses. Routine racism and Black female body objectification affected the mental health of the participants. This article contributes to knowledge on international African migration and gender-specific issues concerning African female migrants. The results will inform policymakers, academia, future migrants and mental health providers. Further research on the effects of migration on African migrants is recommended.
Highlights
The potential for international migration to promote the economic development of origin and destination countries has been asserted in the literature (Kratzmann and Hartl 2019; Hagen-Zanker and Foresti 2018; Orozco and Hennebry 2017; Wodak and Rheindorf 2018; United Nation 2020)
This study explores the lived experiences of Kenyan female migrants in Austria
The goal of the main project from which this paper was created was to investigate the lived experiences of Kenyan female migrants in Austria
Summary
The potential for international migration to promote the economic development of origin and destination countries has been asserted in the literature (Kratzmann and Hartl 2019; Hagen-Zanker and Foresti 2018; Orozco and Hennebry 2017; Wodak and Rheindorf 2018; United Nation 2020). These optimistic assertions which are mainly linked to labour migration to developed nations and the resulting remittances are contentious. Some scholars argue that migration optimism has overshadowed previous concerns of brain drain and that remittances have failed to achieve meaningful economic growth in developing countries (Geiger and Pécoud 2013; de Haas 2010; Appleyard 1989; Bakewell 2009). Because remittances meet basic consumption family needs (Bakewell 2009; Torres and Carte 2016; Maymon 2017), they are viewed as likely to promote dependency and inequalities as noted by Appleyard (1989)
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