Paper short abstract:

This paper will present the life histories of sisters and cousins from one transnational Ghanaian family. It will discuss the impact these relatives have on each other’s concepts of gender; and will also show how these women’s mobility and transnational careers have an influence on their family lives.

Paper long abstract:

"You are still doing this? Oh, this is past!"- this is how one of my interview partners in Ghana's capital Accra was jokingly criticised by her currently abroad-living cousin, for dishing the food for her husband. The abroad-living anaesthetist then called her cousin's daughter to explain to her: "Don't do these things that your mother is doing! It's your mother's time, when they had time to be fussing around the men!" In this paper, I will present the life histories of these two women and of some of their siblings from one transnational Ghanaian family. I will also discuss the impact these relatives have on each other's concepts of gender and family.

These women travelled to various countries in Africa, Europe and Northern America, either because of their own education or profession, or to follow their abroad-working husbands. They are currently residing in Ghana, Sweden, the Netherlands and Canada but stay in close contact with each other; those living abroad, visiting Ghana frequently. These women pursue different careers; among them are the above mentioned anaesthetist, a secretary, a teacher and an architect.

I will show how their mobility and transnational careers have an impact on their family life, their household relationships and on their concepts of the 'ideal woman'. Moreover, I will discuss how the relatives influence each other's ideas of conjugality and parenthood.

The paper is based on ten months of research in several locations in Ghana; supplemented by a short field trip to the Netherlands.