The Impact of International Migration on Children left Behind: A Case Study of Children from Migrant and Non-Migrant Families in Ghana
Author(s): K.O. Afriyie
This paper explores the impact of migration status of parents on the academic performance, as well as the psychological, emotional and behavioural outcomes on the children left behind in Sub Saharan Africa. This study was conducted from February to April, 2009 in Kumasi Ghana. It utilized both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in which 162 children participated. Interviews were also conducted with 50 students from migrant families.
The results for education outcomes indicate that the migration status of children's parents is significantly related to the number of times children are absent themselves from school and also their rank in class positions. However, the migration status of the parents is not significantly related to the marks the children obtain in class. In terms of psychological /emotional outcomes it was found that the migration status of children's parents' is significantly related to how children have difficulty making decisions; it is not significantly related to how children become depressed and have problems with their cognitive functioning such as concentration and remembering things.
This study concludes that the effects that children may experience when they are left behind by their parent(s) are contextual and care must therefore be taken in generalising or exaggerating the effects of parental migration on children. This is because in this study it was found that children who are left behind most of the time live with their mothers and that the extended family also plays an important role in the care taking of children of relatives who have migrated and this helps to reduce the effects children may experience.