UNDERSTANDING THE WHY AND HOW OF LEFT-BEHIND SPOUSES OF INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Globally, the absentee spouse phenomenon is increasingly becoming ubiquitous as a result of emigration, with multidimensional implications for families. In Nigeria, international migration involving one of the spouses is one of the major causes of marital disruption and separation among married couples, especially in Ibadan, Oyo State, with a significant number of left-behind spouses. Although existing studies on international migration have focused largely on remittances, reproductive health, and education, little attention has been paid to the left-behind spouses in particular. Yet, this is significant and crucial as the celebratory-remittance narratives have muted and dwarfed other flipsides, particularly in cases where being left behind was initially rejected or not consensual. Against this background, this article explored the left-behind spouses in Ibadan with a specific focus on the processes (HOW) of migration that led to spouses being left-behind, the purpose of migrants’ migration, the reasons and willingness (WHY) to be left behind, the decision-making process, and the family awareness and support of the migration of the significant other. The article adopted the social network theory as its theoretical framework. 41 In-depth Interviews were conducted with left-behind spouses: male (10) and female (20), and their spouses abroad: male (9) and female (2). Twenty-Five Key Informant Interviews were conducted with family members (13) and friends (12) of left-behind spouses and Five Case Studies amongst the left-behind spouses. Left-behind spouses of international migrants are being shaped and re-shaped with various experiences ranging from the aftermath of sociopolitical occurrences to discontent with local circumstances and realities. Their decision-making process to become left-behind mirrors a cooperative effort, encompassing prolonged strategies, family considerations, and occasionally individual choices, highlighting the intricacy of migration decisions. Overall, the experiences of left-behind spouses are dynamic, shaped by personal, cultural, and social factors. Hence, understanding the domains of experiences of left-behind spouses require a comprehensive approach that acknowledges the intricate web of kin and social connections, resilience, and adaptability within the broader context of international migration experiences.   Keywords: Left behind spouses, International migration, Ibadan.