CHANGES IN INDIGENOUS WOMEN WITH MIGRANT HUSBANDS: PUACUARO, MICHOACAN

Abstract

Currently a large number of people in the indigenous community of Puacuaro, Michoacán migrate to the U.S., most of them reside for periods of more than 5 years, and the rest do it temporarily. This article describes and analyzes the role played by women within the family and community during the period of absence from their spouse. It was found that, in the social organization of indigenous community, the power distance between men and women is very wide, but with the migration of males this distance changes and set up a higher proportion of women participation in family life, as head of household, and as in public spaces, whether in community assemblies, celebrations and family crops. However, with the return of the migrant relative, the family organization returns to its previous structure.

Keywords

• indigenous community
• gender role
• migration