The role of gender and emotion in women's experience of migration

Abstract

This paper focuses on the emotional implications of the crossing of borders and boundaries, both geographical and psychological, implied in the process of immigration. It discusses the main issues and consequences of the process of crossing borders and boundaries for women immigrants in terms of country, transformation of gender and family roles, and language. Particular emphasis is placed on how these issues affect the emotional life and development of women and girls. The life narrative as an expression of as well as a tool for the study of emotions is discussed. The paper is based on data from a study on immigrant women conducted by the author. Some suggestions about aspects of these experiences that are yet to be explored are presented.