Migrant parents in Italy: gendered narratives on work/family balance

Abstract

ABSTRACTOnly recently has attention in gender studies on migration been paid to family/work reconciliation strategies. Currently, there are few studies that focus not only on the point of view of mothers, but also on broader intra-family gender dynamics, especially in countries of more recent immigration. This paper examines the work/family reconciliation ideals, plans and practices of immigrant couples from Morocco, Peru and Romania living in Italy during their transition to parenthood. We analysed in-depth interviews with migrant mothers and fathers with children under the age of 6, at different stages of the transition to parenthood. Contradictions between ideals of ‘the good father provider’ and ‘intensive motherhood’ and actual practices emerged, and gendered care narratives may be used to bridge the gap between ideals and practices. Although immigration fosters innovations and gender negotiations, the receiving context tends to hinder the emergence of less asymmetrical divisions of responsibilities for childcare and paid work.