In Pursuit of Development: Post-Migration Stressors among Kenyan Female Migrants in Austria

Abstract

The emphasis on migration for development obscures its diverse challenges. The migration development nexus is paradoxical, problematic, and controversial. Remittances have long gained wide interest. Migrants’ subjective experiences are important in understanding overall migration outcomes. International African female migration has increased and it is underexplored. This paper investigates the psychosocial stressors of migration based on the lived experiences of Kenyan female migrants in Austria. A sample of 6 female migrants was selected. Narrative data were recorded and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The findings showed that migration resulted in troubled relationships within the core and extended families. The economic dependency of family members in Kenya caused conflicts in interracial marriages. Acculturation led to alienation, family separation and isolation. Achieving economic goals proved challenging due to unpredictable effects in Austria. Failed expectations driven by stereotypes about Europe resulted in disillusionment and high expenses. Routine racism and Black female body objectification affected the mental health of the participants. This article contributes to knowledge on international African migration and gender-specific issues concerning African female migrants. The results will inform policymakers, academia, future migrants and mental health providers. Further research on the effects of migration on African migrants is recommended.

Health Challenges in Everyday Life of Nigerians in Guangzhou City, China

“…This approach is appropriate because it enabled the researcher to take into account the 'personalities, prior life experiences and motivations' of the participants as well as individual subjective meanings of their experiences (Smith & Osborn, 2004, p. 219). The IPA has been found especially useful by scholars exploring how varied migrant populations think about their lived experiences and make sense of specific health-related experiences in different contexts (Abdulkadir et al, 2019;Griffin et al, 2022;Stuhlhofer, 2021).…”