Alissa V Tolstokorova’s research while affiliated with Scholar Rock (United States) and other places

The paper sets out to analyse the impact of the transnational family context on the transformation of paternity roles in families of Ukrainian migrant women, with a focus on gender specificities in the dynamics of the institution of fatherhood in these families. The objective of the paper is to trace the dynamics of masculinity applicable to those fathers left behind, as emerging from their paternity practices. The paper draws on the findings of a multisited field research project, which focused on the study of gendered implications of Ukrainian labour migration. The study identified two trends in fatherhood practices among men who were left behind, that is, responsible and irresponsible paternity, each of which was manifested in two models: the former is represented by such models as househusbands and Theresas fathers, whereas the latter is embodied in such models as Peter Pan daddies and stranded bon vivants.

The aim of this chapter is to study the convergence of family functions of women and men in transnational families of Ukrainian migrant women. The key argument of the chapter is that the work abroad, combined with сare responsibilities conducted at great geographical distances, affects gender roles of both migrant women and their husbands left behind, entailing their convergence in transnational families. Yet, these changes affect more transnational mothers who assume the roles of breadwinners and family providers, thus expanding their family obligations and exposing them to multiple exploitations. Meanwhile, changes in the gender roles of Ukrainian fathers are only temporary, and do not entail tangible transformations in the institution of fatherhood in Ukraine.

The collapse of the socialist system in late 1980’s - early 1990’s, the breaking up of the USSR and the subsequent transition of post-soviet states to the market economy provided the populations with greater freedom of movement and increased mobility. Internal and external labour migration became a significant factor of socio-economic transformation and an efficient tool in the regulation of the labour force. Over the last decade, economic migration with the purpose of employment abroad took on a global character in Ukraine. It affected all sides of societal life and had a dramatic impact on the family as a major subject of social reproduction.The current paper examines the effects of external labour mobility on social reorganization of the Ukrainian family over the 1990s and early 2000s. It traces the evolution of family ideology, values and attitudes; spotlights current changes in family models and functions; examines transformations of consumption patterns and household structures; and analyses continuity and disruptions of family traditions in a foreign setting. Furthermore, it sheds light on the impact of the receiving culture on the lifestyles and world-views of the Ukrainian family and identifies consequences of this influence, with an accent on the attitudinal and ideological significance of intercultural exchange. The paper concludes with a variety of measures and actions necessary for the formation of a more integrated understanding of Ukrainian migration policy and its efficient practical implementation.

Is labour migration a viable strategy, indispensable for the solution of the socio-economic consequences of transition to free market economy? If so, what are its social and demographic implications for Ukraine as a labour exporting country? This paper reviews the issues pertaining to international labour migration in Ukraine throughout the years of transition to free market economy, placing special emphasis on the role of the human factor in the process of economic mobility and on the social costs of the human capital loss for the nation. It traces migration incentives of Ukrainian 'movers', outlines the typology of migration flows, examines the multidimensional outsourcing from Ukraine due to migration and considers its effect on the wellbeing of the society.

How do transnational families create strategies to reconcile work abroad and family life at home across borders? How is trans-border care-giving reconfigured within transnational family space? What are the gender effects of migrancy on the institution of parenthood? These are the questions examined in the current paper on the Ukrainian transnational family and parenthood, a still under-documented phenomenon in Ukrainian scholarship. The main argument of the paper is that changes in gender roles encouraged by migration primarily affect mothers, who assume the roles of bread-winners and providers. This expands their family obligations and perpetuates roles of "pseudo-moms" exposed to multiple exploitations, including exploitation by Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), but does not entail their empowerment. At the same time, changes in the gender roles of fathers are only temporary, and do not entail tangible transformations in the institution of fatherhood in Ukraine. However, this experience may have an effect in the long-run, provided it attracts closer public attention and affects the awareness of the society about the role, status and responsibilities of men to their family and children.