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Chib, A., Malik, S., Aricat, R.G., and Kadir, S.Z. (2014). Migrant Mothering and Mobile Phones: Negotiations of Transnational Identity. Mobile Media & Communication. 2 (1): 73–93.

Learning Objective: LO 11-5: Understand the relationship between globalization and family life, in particular for U.S. families and women from less-developed countries.

Summary: The authors explore how the existence of technology, particularly mobile phones, impacts the fulfillment of mothering responsibilities to their families still living in less-developed countries as they engage in international work as part of the global economy.

Questions to Consider:

1. According to the authors, who are “transnational mothers,” and what sacrifices do they make to support the material needs of their families still living in their home communities?
2. How have mobile phones facilitated or improved the circumstances for these women who perform their mothering responsibilities?
3. Why are some households of “transnational mothers” labeled as “broken homes,” and how does “distance mothering” alleviate the pressures that contribute to this form of labelling?