Adapting spousal relations and transnational family structures: Responses to Mexican-Canadian Seasonal Agricultural migration

Abstract

By examining the families and supporting social structures of Mexican 'temporary' migrant workers in Canada's Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP), this paper explains how these transnational families modify their structures in a neoliberal context. We discuss how migrants and their family members respond to changes associated with circular seasonal migration in order to both reduce threats of family breakdown and to strengthen their families. We also analyze key contradictions associated with these responses, including those in which new roles contribute to greater autonomy and significant changes to gender roles, which simultaneously create greater stress for families.