Patriarchal family relationship under threat during forced migration. The case of Burundians in Mahama refugee camp, Rwanda

Abstract

background Patriarchal structure puts men in a position to rule, control, decide, and provide for the family and the household. However, during forced migration, men’s resources and survival capacity are reduced and are dependent on humanitarian donors’ decisions. While the literature focuses on migrant men’s struggle to cope with life, little is known about how forced migration affects the existing relationships of couples from a patriarchal background. This paper sheds light on this matter using the case of Burundian refugees received in Mahama Camp, Rwanda, since April 2015.