Migration and Intergenerational Responsibilities

Migration to Europe has become a major source of financial and social resources for an increasing number of Senegalese men who are the main providers for their natal households. European migration is seen as a transitory phase, since most of them plan to return to Senegal. We use qualitative interviews conducted in 2007 in a small town in northwest Senegal to explore the dynamics of migration among young Senegalese men, identifying their goals and examining how migration affects their lives and families. Motivations to migrate for these young men are related both to the social prestige associated with being a successful migrant and to the obligations they feel toward their elders to enable them to live out their old age in the best conditions. Because migrating is costly and demands mobilization of social networks, most migrants require the support of their elders to leave, thus reinforcing their obligations toward them and contributing to transforming the relationships between generations.