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Marriage and Migration: Moroccan Women’s Views on Partner Choice, Arranged and Forced Marriage in Belgium

Author

Listed:
  • Alexia Sabbe

    (Ghent, Ghent University)

  • Karima Boujaddayni

    (Ghent University, Senzo vzw (not for profit organisation supporting ethnic minorities with a disability))

  • Marleen Temmerman

    (Ghent University
    Aga Khan University East Africa)

  • Els Leye

    (Ghent, Ghent University)

Abstract

With family reunification as one of the key routes to legally gain entry to the European Union, governments are introducing more stringent legislation to counter abuses such as forced marriages and marriages of convenience. This study explores Moroccan women’s views on partner choice, arranged and forced marriages to ascertain the impact of the migratory context. Moreover, it examined whether the diasporic experience affects the occurrence of forced marriage. Using a participatory approach, focus-group discussions and in-depth interviews were held with women from the Moroccan community in both urban and provincial settings in Flanders, Belgium. Our findings indicate a preference for a partner in Belgium. Religion as opposed to ethnicity emerges as the most important attribute in a partner. Furthermore, religion is also a progressive voice in opinions on forced marriage and the virginity norm. Although forced marriages are no longer a pressing issue among the youth of the Moroccan Belgian community, the immigration legislation and policies that aim to enhance integration and tackle forced marriage and marriages of convenience appear to effectively deter women from choosing a partner from Morocco. Overall, the diasporic experience and migration context do not give rise to an increase of forced marriage among the Moroccan community; yet, arranged marriage is prevalent, even though it is on the decline.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexia Sabbe & Karima Boujaddayni & Marleen Temmerman & Els Leye, 2019. "Marriage and Migration: Moroccan Women’s Views on Partner Choice, Arranged and Forced Marriage in Belgium," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 20(4), pages 1097-1120, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joimai:v:20:y:2019:i:4:d:10.1007_s12134-018-00646-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s12134-018-00646-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Doreen Huschek & Helga A. G. Valk & Aart C. Liefbroer, 2012. "Partner Choice Patterns Among the Descendants of Turkish Immigrants in Europe [Schémas de choix du partenaire chez les descendants des immigrants Turcs en Europe]," European Journal of Population, Springer;European Association for Population Studies, vol. 28(3), pages 241-268, August.
    2. Anne Phillips & Moira Dustin, 2004. "UK Initiatives on Forced Marriage: Regulation, Dialogue and Exit," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 52(3), pages 531-551, October.
    3. Carol, Sarah & Ersanilli, Evelyn & Wagner, Mareike, 2014. "Spousal Choice among the Children of Turkish and Moroccan Immigrants in Six European Countries: Transnational Spouse or Co-ethnic Migrant?," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 48(2), pages 387-414.
    4. Sarah Carol & Evelyn Ersanilli & Mareike Wagner, 2014. "Spousal Choice among the Children of Turkish and Moroccan Immigrants in Six European Countries: Transnational Spouse or Co-ethnic Migrant?," International Migration Review, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 48(2), pages 387-414, June.
    5. Anne Phillips & Moira Dustin, 2004. "UK Initiatives on Forced Marriage: Regulation, Dialogue and Exit," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 52, pages 531-551, October.
    6. Klaartje Van Kerckem & Koen Van der Bracht & Peter A. J. Stevens & Bart Van de Putte, 2013. "Transnational Marriages on the Decline: Explaining Changing Trends in Partner Choice among Turkish Belgians," International Migration Review, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 47(4), pages 1006-1038, December.
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