oa Family roles in migration

This paper explores the importance of the family and the role it plays in migration, especially from considering the influence and the impact these dynamics have on the overall well being of the child. In doing so, the paper also takes an opportunistic approach to discussing some untested views about migration, families and children and cautions utilizing them as the basis of policy formulation and programmatic interventions.

In the context of migration, decision-making processes are far from linear, and the level of dynamism within the family, including that of the child, are important elements to take into consideration when looking at family roles in migration. Questions that are considered include: Should the child be allowed to or even urged to take on independent migration? Or, should the child be left behind with extended family members while one or both parents migrate? Or, should the migrating parents take the child along on the journey?