‘Global Householding’ in Mixed Families: The Case of Thai Migrant Women in Belgium

Abstract

Although marriage migration is on the rise, the global householding of migrant spouses in ‘mixed’ families remains largely understudied. The present chapter attempts to address this empirical gap by examining gender and intergenerational dynamics in the mixed families of Thai women in Belgium. Using the ‘care circulation’ analytical framework, we identify the way bun khun (a culturally defined sense of obligation to care for one’s natal family members, notably parents) influences Thai women’s global householding. We show that, in order to avoid conjugal conflicts while striving to be ‘dutiful daughters’ to their parents, these women adopt three strategies: accomplishing a traditional reproductive role at home, earning their own livelihood, and tapping their family networks of solidarity.