The triple loss: Young people in Tonga's experience of altered work, education and aspirations in the transnational parenting period

Abstract

There is much still to be learned regarding the outcomes of transnational parenting for young people in labour-sending countries. In particular, a significant knowledge gap exists regarding young people's perspectives on transnational parenting at the time of the parent's absence outside of Central America or Asia. Thus, the purpose of this study is to increase understanding of young people's experience in the under-researched Pacific Islands region by examining: How does a parent's international labour migration impact young people left-behind in Tonga's work, leisure, education and aspirations? A theoretical framework utilising social remittances theory was adopted. Utilising a quick, ethnographic approach, 179 secondary school students participated. This 2017 study included interviews, time diaries, short surveys, focus groups and fieldwork observations to facilitate participant-led accounts of young people's experience of transnational parenting in Tonga. This study provides an important empirical contribution regarding young people in Tonga's experience of transnational parenting. These findings demonstrate that, as a consequence of labour migration schemes that disregard family accompaniment, young people in Tonga are paying a high price, a triple loss, as their right to family is diminished, they are unable to prioritise their education, and migration goals are elevated, all of which inhibit their potential.