Gender, Religion, and Migration Pathways of Integration

Gender, Religion, and Migration is the first multidisciplinary collection on the intersection of gender and religion in the integration of different groups of immigrants, migrant workers, youths, and students in host societies in Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and North America. It investigates the link and tensions between religion and integration from a gendered perspective. By examining the contemporary significance of religion in the context of global migrations, the fifteen research-based chapters provide new insights and perspectives. They explore the differing ways in which male and female immigrants find meaning in faith-beliefs and religious traditions in an attempt to belong in foreign lands. While religion provides mechanisms for negotiating immigrant life in the host countries, it also inhibits the integration of immigrants, especially in countries where the majority religion is different. This dual phenomenon of promoting religion and inhibiting integration is critically examined in the lives of Filipinos, Brazilians, Indians, Polish, Mexicans, Vietnamese, Kenyans, Nigerians, and Middle Eastern peoples. The book also engages various theories on gender, religion, and migration and demonstrates the fluidity of gender construction as people cross borders. Book jacket.

Glenda Tibe Bonifacio is assistant professor of women's studies at the University of Lethbridge. Vivienne SM. Angeles is assistant professor of religion at La Salle University in Philadelphia.