Post-Migration Experiences of Female Immigrant Spouses from the Former Soviet Union

This paper applied an intersectional approach to analyse self-representations of female marriage migrants from the former Soviet Union who married US nationals. On the basis of in-depth interviews with these individuals and their husbands, the present study explored a range of topics related, but not limited, to pre-migration history, partner choice, post-migration adjustment. Failures of romantic relationships with local partners were cited by both men and women as the primary reason to turn to transnational marriage market to seek out brides and grooms, respectively. US men were looking for traditional wives and expected their spouses to assume the roles of housekeepers. In contrast, the majority of migrant women pursued more egalitarian gender relationships in the family. A conflict of expected gender roles and the household division of labour has strained many relationships