Family Life Across the Border: Mexican Wives Left Behind

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Abstract
The human migration process between any two countries has two components that are equally important: the migrant and the family left behind. Unfortunately, the latter component has not received the attention it deserves from researchers and service providers. This study was conducted with 202 Mexican women living in their country, married to immigrant workers residing in the United States. The purpose of the study was to investigate some of the psychosocial dynamics involved in the lives of women left behind as a consequence of their spouses' departure to the United States. Findings revealed that most of these women were satisfied with their husbands 'decision to migrate and with their own lives in Mexico. However, they experienced stress associated with the welfare of the absent husband, acquisition of new responsibilities and obligations, and family disintegration. Results are discussed within the sociocultural context of the communities where the women live.

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