Linking family trajectories and return conditions

the case of return migrants in the French Overseas Departments

Abstract

This paper investigates the links between the family trajectories of return migrants in the French overseas departments (Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Reunion Island) and the conditions of their return. Based on the Migration, Family and Ageing survey and sequence analysis, it draws up a typology of the trajectories of cohabitation, relationship and parenthood of these populations. It highlights five types of trajectories: rapid entry into parenthood with three possible conjugal patterns, late departure from the parental home and rapid decohabitation without subsequent mating or parenthood. Regressions then assess the effect returns have on trajectories. For women, returning delays childbearing or partnering and encourages the break-ups, especially in the case of constraints or difficulties. For men, on the contrary, returning accelerates these events. These analyses underline the gendered organization of migration and family calendars, in a differentiated relationship to constraint.