Title: Separation and emotional distance: cases of Mexican undocumented transnational families

Authors: Gabriela M. Echegoyen-Nava

Addresses: Economic and Social Research Council, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK

Abstract: This paper examines how transnational family interactions and emotional exchanges influence the everyday lives of both undocumented Mexican migrants to the USA and those remaining behind. Within the migration process, some transnational family members gradually become 'emotionally distant' as a result of prolonged absences. Moreover, emotional exchanges can also be substituted for by the sending of remittances and material goods. However, absences do not only cool interfamily relations; separations can also lead to more harmonious relations, ease tensions and help men and especially women become more independent and aware of their own capabilities.

Keywords: emotion; emotional distance; transnational families; absences; separation; Mexico-USA migration; Mexico; USA; United States; Mexican migrants; immigrants; emotional exchanges; remittances; material goods; interfamily relations.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWOE.2013.055904

International Journal of Work Organisation and Emotion, 2013 Vol.5 No.3, pp.246 - 260

Published online: 28 Jun 2014 *

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