Marriage Migration in Britain: a Gender Perspective

Abstract

Recent developments in spousal family reunification rules in the United Kingdom have caused progressive restrictions regarding the possibilities of family life for migrants and ethnic minorities. Such developments may be seen as a reaction to issues such as marriages of convenience and gender-based violence as well as to practices associated with some migrant communities, including forced marriages. The paper explores these issues from a gender perspective. The Author will argue that the engagement of political actors in protecting gender equality risks becoming a way of instrumentalizing gender in order to further restrict immigration policies.

Tag: marriage, gender, Britain, immigration, ethnic minorities