The Social Impact of Remittances on Gender roles in Kosovo; a catalyst for Women Empowerment?

Abstract: The aim of this thesis is to study how social remittance have impacted gender roles in household structures in Kosovo. By studying the ideas, norms, practices and social capitals sent from the migrant families to the residing families in the country of origin, I will examine if this has led to a change in Kosovar household structure. By conducting a field study, both surveys and interviews were carried out within the Kosovo Albanian households. The main focus of the analysis will be shed on the 33 interviews conducted that were carried out in seven different locations around Kosovo. This gives vital information regarding Kosovars perception of how the household structure has changed. The theoretical framework of the thesis consists of a nexus of theories with Peggy Levitt’s theory on Social remittance, Amartya Sen’s capabilities approach and New Economic of Labour migration theory. Together they create an understanding of the transmitting of ideas, how these ideas contribute to the capabilities of humans and shows how the migration pattern is connected to family based decisions. The thesis is concluded by pointing out the interviewees perception of an on-going change in gender roles in Kosovar household structures. The interviewees argue that the change is occurring due to three factors – a raising awareness among the population through globalisation, improved illiteracy and better access to education and finally, the impact of the ideas from the diaspora. In the final part of the analysis, we look at how social remittance can act as a catalyst for female empowerment in household structures.