"May they be well." : Migrant Roma Women's Experiences of Long Distance Mothering
Hekkala, Mirjam (2022)
2022
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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2022122131248
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2022122131248
Tiivistelmä
The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe Romanian migrant Roma women’s experiences of long distance mothering. In this study long distance mothering refers to the practice of care that takes place transnationally.
Three women with first hand experience of long distance mothering took part in the study. They all have been travelling to work in Finland for 5-10 years, while their children have stayed home in Romania. The data was collected by conducting individual theme interviews, and was analysed using Sundler’s (2019) approach for descriptive analysis. The experiences are described through four different themes: The need leading to long distance mothering, Care arrangements in long distance mothering, Stress and longing in long distance mothering and Pride and joy in long distance mothering.
The results indicate the labour-based migration and adoption of long distance mothering strategy to be caused by lack of options for income in the country of origin. Care arrangements play a significant role in the women’s experiences as they support and challenge the practice of long distance mothering. The emotional strain related to long distance mothering is evident, as the women experience high levels of stress and longing. Lastly, the women expressed pride and a sense of agency in being able to provide for their children. Based on the results the importance of advocacy, access to low-threshold mental health services and the recognition and strengthening of agency are highlighted.
Three women with first hand experience of long distance mothering took part in the study. They all have been travelling to work in Finland for 5-10 years, while their children have stayed home in Romania. The data was collected by conducting individual theme interviews, and was analysed using Sundler’s (2019) approach for descriptive analysis. The experiences are described through four different themes: The need leading to long distance mothering, Care arrangements in long distance mothering, Stress and longing in long distance mothering and Pride and joy in long distance mothering.
The results indicate the labour-based migration and adoption of long distance mothering strategy to be caused by lack of options for income in the country of origin. Care arrangements play a significant role in the women’s experiences as they support and challenge the practice of long distance mothering. The emotional strain related to long distance mothering is evident, as the women experience high levels of stress and longing. Lastly, the women expressed pride and a sense of agency in being able to provide for their children. Based on the results the importance of advocacy, access to low-threshold mental health services and the recognition and strengthening of agency are highlighted.