Post-Migration Experiences of Female Immigrant Spouses from the Former Soviet Union

Authors

Igor Ryabov, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-11-2016

Abstract

This paper applied an intersectional approach to analyse self-representations of female marriage migrants from the former Soviet Union who married US nationals. On the basis of in-depth interviews with these individuals and their husbands, the present study explored a range of topics related, but not limited, to pre-migration history, partner choice, post-migration adjustment. Failures of romantic relationships with local partners were cited by both men and women as the primary reason to turn to transnational marriage market to seek out brides and grooms, respectively. US men were looking for traditional wives and expected their spouses to assume the roles of housekeepers. In contrast, the majority of migrant women pursued more egalitarian gender relationships in the family. A conflict of expected gender roles and the household division of labour has strained many relationships.

Comments

© 2016, Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. Original published version available at https://doi.org/10.1080/07256868.2016.1163531

Recommended Citation

Ryabov, I. (2016). Post-migration Experiences of Female Immigrant Spouses from the Former Soviet Union. Journal of Intercultural Studies, 37(3), 286–302. https://doi.org/10.1080/07256868.2016.1163531

First Page

286

Last Page

302

Publication Title

Journal of Intercultural Studies

DOI

10.1080/07256868.2016.1163531