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Research Paper | Social Science | Egypt | Volume 12 Issue 12, December 2023 | Rating: 5.3 / 10

Return Migration and Female Agency in Egypt: A Study of the Agency of Wives before and During the Migration of their Husbands to the GCC Countries and after their Return

Aliaa N. Hamad

Abstract: This research investigates the complex interplay between return migration and female agency within Egyptian families. Focusing on the experiences of Egyptian husbands who have migrated to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries for employment and subsequently returned, this study explores the shifts in decision-making power and gender roles that occur in their households. Drawing from an extensive review of existing literature, as well as informal conversations with individuals from such families, this paper highlights the unique dynamics that emerge during the absence and return of migrant husbands. The findings reveal that upon their departure, the wives often assume leadership roles in their families, undertaking responsibilities that extend beyond traditional gender norms. However, these newly acquired powers tend to be transient, as husbands returning from the GCC countries reassert their authority within the household. Factors contributing to this phenomenon include the influence of patriarchal norms in the host countries and the pre-existing gender asymmetries in Egyptian society. While this research corroborates the existing literature, it also underscores the complex nature of gender roles and female agency within the context of migration and return. Moreover, it underscores the need for further investigation into the broader socio-cultural impacts of migration on Egypt, emphasizing the importance of understanding not only economic remittances but also the transfer of ideologies and practices from host to home countries. Recognizing the implications of this return migration phenomenon is essential for addressing gender equality and women?s empowerment, thereby contributing to broader development goals in Egypt.

Keywords: migration, return migration, Egyptian wife, Egyptian husband, gender roles, family dynamics, female agency, GCC countries

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 12, December 2023,

Pages: 1898 - 1903