Women's migration and personal history. The return from Europe

Abstract

Between 1982 and 1987, the authors of this article undertook research on the general subject of the spatial mobility of the population of the Barcelona Metropolitan Area and, in particular, on the movements classified as «return migrations». The first stage of the study centred on the collection of statistical information data, both previously compiled and newly elaborated for the purpose. At a second stage, a detailed questionnaire was carried out, interviewing returned emigrants registered as heads of family. Although the sex variable was not contemplated as a criterion for selection, the female population bears sufficient weight to make a study of the subject of women in migration movements feasible, based on the specific case of out-migration to Europe. An analysis of migration patterns, family and job histories, and the form of social integration of migrants raises the question of the varying influence of mobility on differences identified between the sexes. It can be asserted that the concept of «status» of migrant women covers a great variety of situations, which are, at the same time, the expression of diverse and complex social realities and processes.