Feminization of labour migration from Uzbekistan to Turkey: the role of neoliberal policies, patriarchy and social networks

This paper mainly explores the intricate dynamics of the feminization of migration from Uzbekistan to Turkey. The implementation of neoliberal policies in Uzbekistan since the early 2000s has resulted in a significant rise in labour migration, concurrently changing the traditional pattern of male-dominated migration and fostering a shift toward the feminization of migration, especially in Turkey. Data was collected through extensive fieldwork carried out in both countries, where we conducted face-to-face interviews with migrants, employers, policymakers and other key stakeholders. In exploring the interplay of neoliberalism, family dynamics, gender roles and social networks, this study reveals a noteworthy pattern observed among Uzbek female migrants in Turkey. The findings indicate that while migration offers economic independence and emancipation at first, many ultimately find themselves perpetuating age-old patriarchal norms in the destination country – coined as ‘patriarchal reaffirmation’ to describe the dilemma of escaping patriarchy yet finding oneself trapped in it once again.