Hierarchical Households and Gendered Migration in Latin America: Feminist Extensions to Migration Research

Abstract: In this review essay, I argue that migration theory can be advanced by analysing gender differences in migration processes. I bring together feminist empirical work from diverse settings within Latin America in order to illustrate and discuss theoretical extensions to migration research. In particular, the discussion focuses on the centrality of intrahousehold power relations and dynamics for understanding who migrates, and with what consequences. I further argue that these theoretical understandings emerge from the culturally and historically specific operation of processes in particular places within Latin America. One of the crucial tasks for future theory (and policy)... will be to take on board not only investigation of the causes, but also the consequences of gender-differentiated population movement (Chant, 1992: 200).