Effect of External Labour Migration for Ukrainian Family: “Poisoned Gift” or “Dream Realized”?

Alisa V. Tolstokorova (International School for Equal Opportunities in Ukraine)

Email: alicetol@yahoo.com or talissa@ukr.net

 

ABSTRACT:

The collapse of socialist system in late 1980s, early 1990s, break up of the USSR and subsequent transition of post-Soviet states to market economy provided freedom of movement and increased mobility of population. Internal and external labor migration became a significant factor of socio-economic transformation and an efficient tool in the labor force oversupply regulation. Over the last decade economic migration and off-country employment acquired an overall character in Ukraine. It affected all sides of social life and made a dramatic impact on the family as a major subject of social reproduction.

Current paper examines the effect of external labor mobility on social reorganization of Ukrainian family over 1990s, early 2000s: it traces the evolution of family ideology, values and attitudes; spotlights current changes in family models and functions; examines transformations of consumption patters and household structures; analyses continuity and disruptions of family traditions in a foreign setting. Furthermore, it sheds light on the impact of the receiving culture on lifestyles and world-view of the Ukrainian family, identifying both: positive and negative consequences of this influence, making accent on the behavioural and ideological significance of intercultural exchange.

In conclusion the author offers a complex of policy proposals aimed at formation of more integrated understanding of Ukrainian migratory policy and its efficient practical implementation. The comments are based on materials of number of projects, carried out by different research institutions in Ukraine throughout 2000-2006 as well as on materials, received by the State Institute for Family and Youth Development during preparation of Annual State Reports on the Situation of Family and Realisation of Family Policy in Ukraine, implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Ukraine for Family, Youth and Sports.