The safe space of transnational friendships of young adults migrating from Essaouira, Morocco

Abstract

Within the field of international migration, most studies focusing on home-based migrant social networks tend to focus on family relations, whereas the role of the friends who stay behind is largely neglected. This study explores how friendships affect and are affected by, international migration. Via an ethnographic approach, we have analysed the experiences of 16 young adults who stayed behind in the sending region of Essaouira, Morocco. In contrast with the pressures experienced within family relations, friendships emerged as an important source of socio-emotional support for migrants, thereby functioning as safe spaces. Building on the findings, we argue that for a more comprehensive understanding of the social embeddedness of migration, friendships should be considered along with family relations.