Gender and Voluntary Return: Moroccan Migrant Labor Women as a Case Study

Abstract

This study aims at analyzing the effects and outcomes of the feminization of Moroccan migration on labor women migrants themselves, on their families and on the whole community (Micro, Meso, and Macro levels respectively). This study investigates the change that occurs in the migrant women, especially those women who migrated to such countries where family reunification is such a hard deal. These changes affect their identity, sense of agency, relationship with their families, and the whole community. The study highlights the return phase of Moroccan women migrants, who have spent some time abroad as labor migrants. To collect and analyze data related to this topic two research methods are used: quantitative and qualitative, which aims to answer questions related to the topic. Questionnaires, filled by 80 women returnees, are used in order to comprehend the migration journey on three levels (before, while, and after) migration. In addition, interviews conducted with 40 returnees and used in order to inquire about the reasons and implications of migration and return. Notwithstanding that the findings of both methods were nearly the same. Thus, this study enabled us to analyze the outcomes of migration at different levels micro (on the woman herself), meso (her family), and macro (the whole Moroccan community): the women; her status in the family and gender roles; and on the fossilization of a culture of migration.