“But where is your Husband?”.“Matrifocalizing” Connections among the Meshes of the Somali Diaspora

Abstract

In this paper I propose a reflection on the experiences of single mothers in the Somali diaspora, a very common and socially accepted experience within the diaspora, which illuminates interesting processes related to experiences of mobility and transnationalism. Intersecting the theoretical frameworks of diaspora studies and those of matrifocality, I propose to reflect on the connections that can be detected between the experience of single motherhood and the more profound and enduring familial and social changes among people who identify as Somalis in diaspora around the world.