Year
2023
Authors
CERDIN Jean-Luc, RAMBOARISON-LALAO Lovanirina, MADANAMOOTHOO Allane, BREWSTER Chris
Abstract
In this chapter, we use an exploratory, qualitative study of African female migrants’ integration in France to explore their family-planning decision-making as they strive to achieve a good work-family balance (WFB). The life stories of nineteen African female migrants highlight the effects of their aspirations for successful socio-professional integration in their country of adoption, versus pressure from the traditions of their country of origin, on their decision to have children. We identify skill level and generational differences and note in particular the moderating effect of religion and culture. Five profile types emerge from this exploratory study: the traditionalists who conform to religion and customs in their family-planning decision-making; the religious who put religion first over cultural considerations; the conservatives who act as guardians of traditional cultural values; the liberals who have freed themselves from the constraints of both religion and tradition; and the chameleons who adopt asituational opportunistic flexibility. We explore the potential implications.
RAMBOARISON-LALAO, L., MADANAMOOTHOO, A., CERDIN, J.L. et BREWSTER, C. (2023). African female migrants, family-planning decision-making and work–family balance: the influence of culture and religion. Dans: Yvonne Kallane, Joanne Mutter, Heidi Collins eds. Research Handbook of Global Families: Implications for Theory and Practice. 1st ed. Cheltenham, Northampton Massachusetts: Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd, pp. 161-181.