An Interrogation into the Effects of International Parenting on the Social and Emotional Health of Adolescents in Three Rural Districts of Zimbabwe
Joram Ndlovu 
, Douglas Nyathi & Victor H. Mlambo
Issue: Vol.5 No.9 Special Issue Article 4 pp.42-58
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2024594 | Published online 29th August, 2024
© 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
The changing geopolitical environment, economic transformations and technological advancements have prompted the intensified movement of people in a great diversity of forms. Transnational parenting has emerged as a significant and intricate global occurrence within today’s migration patterns. While scholarly and policy discussions on international parenting are increasing, there is a lack of firsthand narratives specifically addressing the situation in Zimbabwe. The purpose of the study was to interrogate the effects of international parenting on the social and emotional health of adolescents in three rural districts of Zimbabwe. The study used a qualitative methodology to record detailed field notes, interviews, and focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was used for analyzing qualitative data. The findings reveal that transnational parents use relatives, media technology, caregivers and remittances as a way of parenting away from home. These parents put an effort into maintaining family cohesion through frequent communication using technology and sporadic reunions. The evidence indicates that children experience both physical and emotional impacts due to the absence of parents. Their search reveals that some caregivers abuse children emotionally, physically and sexually. The study recommends the need for scholarly engagement on the subject to broaden the understanding of how transnational parenting impacts children’s development. The research adds to academic knowledge by illustrating a comprehensive grasp of how transnational communication operates, highlighting the significance of balancing social agency and structural limitations. This is evident not just within the realm of the left-behind child but also in the challenges faced by migrant parents.
Keywords: Transnational parenting, Adolescent, Emotional and Social well-being
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Prof. Joram Ndlovu (PhD) is an Associate Professor and Academic Leader for Research in the School of Social Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Professor Ndlovu has over thirty years of teaching and research in different Universities within Southern Africa. He has published extensively and supervised over twenty Masters and PhD students. His interdisciplinary work covers tourism enterprises, digitalisation, destination branding, cultural and heritage tourism and social well-being. His research interest lies in exploring the intersection of livelihoods, climate change, and indigenous knowledge. His focus is on how indigenous communities adapt to environmental challenges and leverage traditional knowledge to sustain their livelihoods. By understanding these dynamics, he seeks to develop more effective strategies for climate resilience and community empowerment.
Dr. Douglas Nyathi (PhD) is a Post-Doctoral fellow at the University of Johannesburg, where he explores the intricate links between migration, climate change, gender, and livelihood diversification. His research focuses on how climate-induced displacement disproportionately affects women, highlighting their unique challenges and resilience strategies. He investigates case studies in rural Zimbabwe where women adapt agricultural practices to changing weather patterns while simultaneously seeking alternative income sources. By emphasizing gender-sensitive approaches to migration, Nyathi aims to inform policies that support sustainable livelihoods and empower marginalized communities. His work not only enriches academic discourse but also seeks practical solutions to pressing global challenges, fostering a more equitable response to climate impacts.
Dr Victor H. Mlambo (PhD) is a lecturer at the School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy at the University of Johannesburg. Victor holds a Ph.D. in Public Administration from the University of Zululand. His research interests include Conflict and Migration Studies; Political Geography; International relations; Regionalism and Security Studies where he has published several articles in accredited journals as well as book chapters. He is a member of the South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM) and The South African Association of Political Studies (SAAPS).
Ndlovu, Joram, Douglas Nyathi & Victor H. Mlambo. “An Interrogation into the Effects of International Parenting on the Social and Emotional Health of Adolescents in Three Rural Districts of Zimbabwe,” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 5, no.9 Special Issue (2024): 42-58. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2024594
© 2024 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
