Transnational marriages and trafficking

In this project financed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion, the Fafo researchers Guri Tyldum and May-Len Skilbrei look at marriages between Norwegian men and women from Thailand and Russia. They discuss how some women from developing and transitional countries come to be more vulnerable to various forms for exploitation in marriage, and suggest policies that can reduce these vulnerabilities. An important aspect of the project is to discuss possible delineations in our understanding of trafficking in relation to transnational marriages. The two researchers will map life histories and migration experiences of different women that have married (or is going to marry) Norwegian men, and their experiences will be analysed in light of their access to networks and information, economic possibilities and dependants at home, as well as the view of marriage and the role of women in different social groups both in Norway and in their home countries. The following questions will be asked: Is it possible to talk of trafficking for marriage for Thai and Russian women in Norway? How can policies be developed to protect the women from exploitation in transnational marriages? Which women are able to break out of marriages with exploitation and violence, and why? And, what challenges do the women face if they choose to break out of a marriage with a Norwegian man?

Contact: Guri Tyldum

Norwegian version