summarize the key points of the paper:Abrego, Leisy. 2009. "Economic well being in Salvadoran transnational families: How gender affects remittance practices." Journal of Marriage and Family 71(4):1070-1085.
In the paper "Economic well-being in Salvadoran transnational families: How gender affects remittance practices" by Leisy Abrego, the author explores the dynamics of remittance practices within Salvadoran families that are split between the United States and El Salvador. Here are the key points:
1. **Transnational Families**: The study focuses on Salvadoran transnational families, where members reside in multiple countries. It examines how these family structures impact economic well-being.
2. **Role of Gender**: Abrego highlights the significant role that gender plays in remittance practices. The research suggests that men and women engage in remittance sending differently, influenced by societal norms and their respective roles within the family.
3. **Economic Contributions**: The paper discusses how remittances contribute to the economic stability of families in El Salvador, emphasizing that remittances are a critical source of income, often utilized for necessities such as education and healthcare.
4. **Power Dynamics**: The author analyzes how gender affects power dynamics within families. Men's remittances are often associated with control over financial decisions, whereas women's contributions, although substantial, are often undervalued or overlooked.
5. **Findings**: The study finds that while both men and women contribute to remittances, the context and implications of their contributions differ, leading to varied impacts on family dynamics and economic resilience.
6. **Policy Implications**: Abrego suggests that understanding these gendered practices in remittance sending can inform policies aimed at supporting transnational families and enhancing their economic well-being.
Overall, the paper highlights the intersection of gender, economic practices, and family dynamics in the context of Salvadoran transnational migrants, shedding light on the complexities of remittance behaviors and their effects on familial and economic structures.