Abstract
Migration posits new challenges to couple relationships. The distance from one’s family and kin, the need to restructure long-standing and culturally established role expectations, the social isolation, and economic strains often put couple stability at stake. Muslim women’s perception of the changes that have occurred to their couple relationship after migration has rarely been investigated. To fill this gap in the research literature, a sample of 15 Moroccan and as many Pakistani women living in Italy were administered an in depth semi-structured interview. A thematic analysis of the interview transcripts led to the identification of the following main themes: (a) The value and meanings of marriage; (b) couple life in Italy: Partners’ roles; (c) adjustments required by the post-migration context; and (d) resources of the post-migration context. Results show that while migration is often a challenge to couples who are called to renegotiate their values, expectations, and reciprocal duties, it might also be an opportunity to experience a new intimacy far from the control of their family. Moreover, while migration often entails greater autonomy and a more balanced couple relationship for Moroccan women, Pakistanis remain anchored to more traditional gender values and are more exposed to feeling isolated.
Highlights
In depth interviews were conducted with 15 Moroccan immigrant women and as many Pakistani women living in Lombardy, a region in the North-West of Italy
The two subsamples bear some important differences: While all the Pakistani interviewees came from the Punjab area and belong to the Pathan minority, the Moroccan women we interviewed came from both rural or desert areas as well as from major cities in various parts of the country
“We had a modern wedding—in that we met and our families agreed to our engagement—and yet, it was a religious wedding, one that abided by the Moroccan traditions.”
Summary
Major life event that challenges both individuals and families, and entails a redefinition or adjustment of one’s identity, beliefs, values, and expectations [1]. With over 30 million immigrants living beyond their national borders, the integration and acculturation process of Muslim immigrants living in Western countries has been extensively studied, especially after the 9/11 terrorist attacks [6,7,8,9,10,11]. While all immigrants must renegotiate their values, beliefs, and habits to adapt to those of the mainstream society, for Muslims living in Western countries, acculturation entails additional challenges regarding the clash between conflicting cultural orientations (collectivist versus individualistic) and issues of religious diversity [8,13,14]. Muslims’ acculturation often happens in a context of hostility, prejudice, and discrimination, all factors that have been found to hinder the assimilation process while leading to serious mental health problems and isolation [6,15]
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