Gender and Care Relationships in Transnational Families: Implications for Citizenship and Belonging

Abstract

In contrast to studies of transnational care-giving that focus on the Global South and transnational parenting, this article examines the care practices and relations of permanent residents and foreign born citizens in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, whose care encompasses broader kin ties and social networks across borders and generations. By exploring the nature, modalities, frequency, financial and well-being consequences of transnational care provisions, gender-specific patterns are discerned, as well as implications for citizenship. Our findings show that the consequences of these gendered provisions of transnational care are not always the reinforcement of stereotypical gender roles, but, at times, can also include their contestation. Moreover, although caring bonds remain strong across borders, “bi-focality” does not undermine social cohesion but can strengthen feelings of belonging and Canadian citizenship. Ultimately, this local case study, which includes the social, economic, political and emotional dimensions of transnational caregiving, points to the broader repercussions of such care practices, involving a potentialy more inclusive and feminist global citizenship.

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