The Migration of Unaccompanied Minors from a Gender Perspective

Abstract

The aim of this work is the description of the migration of unaccompanied minors which is affected by new patterns of mobility and the globalization. The dynamism of this migrant phenomenon and diversification with respect to other kind of migration requires a new theoretical framework more complex and derived from the all explicative approaches. The study of the migration of unaccompanied minors involves the socio-political contexts, the legal framework and the home and host country; besides, it is strongly linked to gender issues shaping the mobility strategy. The migration of girls adopts different patterns for themselves and their families. The strategy is related to the access of territory and the contact with mafias which smuggle them. The study is focused on the Canary Island study case where migration of unaccompanied minors is very relevant.