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The Geopolitics of the Family: Negotiating Return and its Impact on the Reintegration of Cameroonian Returnees

Author

Listed:
  • Presca Wanki

    (University of Ghent
    United Nations University-CRIS
    Ghent University)

  • Ilse Derluyn

    (University of Ghent
    Ghent University)

  • Ine Lietaert

    (University of Ghent
    United Nations University-CRIS
    Ghent University)

Abstract

Based on in-depth interviews with 41 Cameroonian returnees, this paper aims to analyse the family as a site of geopolitics in return and reintegration processes. We unpack the negotiation between migrants and their families as a form of political power both before and following return and how this shapes the reintegration processes of migrants. In so doing, we emphasise the importance of the accumulation and redistribution of resources as determining factors in the expectations of returnees. Moreover, as a form of political power, the family is revealed as a source of support, guidance, and psychosocial trauma throughout the return and reintegration processes. Thus, this study indicates the importance of considering the entanglement between the domestic and the international realms in return and reintegration processes and how they impact on the psychosocial well-being of returnees, with clear implications for policy and practice.

Suggested Citation

  • Presca Wanki & Ilse Derluyn & Ine Lietaert, 2023. "The Geopolitics of the Family: Negotiating Return and its Impact on the Reintegration of Cameroonian Returnees," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 24(2), pages 521-538, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joimai:v:24:y:2023:i:2:d:10.1007_s12134-022-00957-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s12134-022-00957-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Annett Fleischer, 2007. "Family, obligations, and migration," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 16(13), pages 413-440.
    2. Esi Akyere Mensah, 2016. "Involuntary Return Migration and Reintegration. The Case of Ghanaian Migrant Workers from Libya," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 303-323, February.
    3. Presca Wanki & Ilse Derluyn & Ine Lietaert, 2022. "“Let Them Make It Rain and Bling”: Unveiling Community Expectations towards Returned Migrants in Cameroon," Societies, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-17, January.
    4. Valentina Mazzucato & Djamila Schans & Kim Caarls & Cris Beauchemin, 2015. "Transnational Families Between Africa and Europe," International Migration Review, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 49(1), pages 142-172, March.
    5. Hein de Haas & Tineke Fokkema, 2011. "The effects of integration and transnational ties on international return migration intentions," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 25(24), pages 755-782.
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