Parental Migration and the Well-being of Children Left Behind in Harare, Zimbabwe (Dataset)

Tsoto, Christabel

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Parental Migration and the Well-being of Children Left Behind in Harare, Zimbabwe (Dataset)

Tsoto, Christabel

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of parental migration on the well-being of children left behind in Zimbabwe using a mixed-methods approach combining survey data and in-depth interviews. It investigates how migration reshapes parental dynamics and impacts children’s physical and mental health, education, financial stability, communication, and protection. A unique six-dimensional well-being index guides the analysis, encompassing physical health, psychological health, education, financial conditions, access to communication, and protection. Quantitative data offers a broad statistical view of migration’s impact across these dimensions, while qualitative insights from the interviews with caregivers offer a nuanced understanding of the lived experiences and personal perceptions within each dimension. The multi-dimensional index serves as an inclusive framework for assessing the complex consequences of parental migration, permitting a more well-rounded evaluation of the well-being of left-behind children. By combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches, this research aims to contribute refined insights into the multifaceted dynamics surrounding the impact of parental migration on the well-being of children in Zimbabwe. The findings aim to inform targeted interventions and policies that address the specific needs identified within each dimension, fostering a more holistic support system for children left behind in the context of migration.