Gender, family and migration

What it covers

In this capstone unit, you will examine the intersections of gender, family, and migration through feminist and sociological perspectives. You will explore how migration - whether voluntary, forced, or situated in between - reshapes family life, care arrangements, and social relations across countries of origin and destination, while critically engaging with how power relations such as gender, class, nationality, and generation shape migratory experiences. You will explore six key themes: background contexts, theoretical perspectives, gendered migration processes, contemporary debates, methodological issues, and policy advocacy. Beginning with tracing the historical development of migration studies prior to the incorporation of gender perspectives, followed by an exploration of feminist approaches and key theoretical frameworks, including transnationalism, mobility, and intersectionality. You will then examine gender across diverse migratory contexts, including women’s migration, family-related migration, and movements involving children, youth, and refugees. The unit also engages with recent developments such as queer approaches to migration and the re-examination of masculinities. In addition, you will consider methodological approaches to studying gender and migration, and the role of research in informing policy and advocacy. Through class participation, you will develop critical analytical skills and engage with empirical case studies in regional and transnational contexts. As a capstone unit, it integrates your prior learning and prepares you for honours-level study and careers in policy, advocacy, social services, and international development.

Assessment

When and where