CHARTING WOMEN'S MIGRATION
FROM THE EASTERN CAPE
Christina laurenzi - 2015
RESEARCH DESIGNThis research, conducted by Christina Laurenzi in Zithulele, examined short term, temporary and the circular migration of women in the Eastern Cape.
Through 40 semi-structured interviews conducted in March 2015, the research examined networks of women to determine the nature and frequency of movement, the extent of family involvement and government support, and the level of attachment to men and conceptions of caregiving and tradition. |
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FINDINGS
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Women's stories revealed that relationships and ideas of tradition with relation to men are still prevalent in this area of the Eastern Cape, and many movements are geared around partners and providing. Many women discuss a paradox: having to leave home to support their children, yet requiring some level of support themselves to leave in the first place. Urban experiences, though exciting for many women, are also described as socially challenging, and financially constrained. By focusing on women who have returned from away, or are contemplating another trip, this thesis reflects on the contingency of rural-urban movement and settlement, and raises questions about socioeconomic stability in South Africa today.
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Voices of Women
Relationships “You have to negotiate, due to the custom, you have to obey your husband’s rules…it’s him who is the leader of the house, so you need to have the instructions from him. You can’t say that ‘yoh, I’m just coming today, I’m in the bus station.’…You have to discuss, and plan.”
Balancing support and reliance“It’s difficult [living here], because I’m not working and there’s no source of income. I’m struggling to raise my own kid, that’s why I decided to go away.”
“It’s hard to support five children. My mother and father were working at that moment, so it was easy to go, [for them] to raise the kids.” “It’s quite easy to raise kids here in the home, unlike there [in the city], because of the support of family. If there is a problem with the kids, my mother tells me, no, it’s going to be okay.” “My mother has a pension grant, also helpful. But there are many of them, so there’s just a little bit for each. There are six total, if I leave mine.” |
Money and Independence“First of all, the man doesn’t like the working wife, you have to obey his rules…[there’s the idea that] if you let your woman go to work, you’ll end up [being] treated disrespectfully, because she’s having money now, she won’t treat me as a man.”
“I don’t know [why he doesn’t want me to work], maybe he’s scared that I will be catched by others.” Urban Challenges“I didn’t make it to get the real job, [just] small piece jobs. Sweeping at the shop maybe, if there’s other people who are not working at that time, then I start working.”
“Sometimes here in the home, it felt strange to adapt, because of money…on that side, you have to buy each and every moment. Even when you are going to cook you have to buy something, not like here.” “It’s difficult because I don’t even speak their language or stay for a long time. So it’s just when I’m trying to learn, then I’m home, and when I’m back, don’t even [remember] how to speak.” |
Single WomenMigration is a way for young single women to explore opportunities
1. Hopelessness in rural areas 2. Need to support families 3. Lack of rural jobs 4. Level of support in the home determines experience |
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Married WomenFor women in more 'traditional' contexts, migration is part of their routine
1. Visit men, maintain the homestead 2. Social responsibility 3. Married women are subject to rules |
TakeAway
"Conceptions of tradition still define the way that many women define their prospects for mobility and independence"
1. Relationships with men are important considerations in the decision to move
2. Flexible movement is contingent on support structures and family
3. Urban experiences present new opportunities but also reveal limitations
1. Relationships with men are important considerations in the decision to move
2. Flexible movement is contingent on support structures and family
3. Urban experiences present new opportunities but also reveal limitations
Full Thesis
| Laurenzi - Women's Migration Thesis |
