Interconnected family networks and financial support in Senegal

Family Ties That Bind: How Migration Shapes Financial Support Across Generations

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Jordan Keane in Culture & Society June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the dynamics of internal and international migration and its profound impact on family financial support systems in Senegal."


Migration is more than just moving from one place to another; it’s a complex web of relationships, responsibilities, and financial flows. While international remittances often grab headlines, the reality on the ground is far more nuanced. Even moving within a country can significantly alter how families support each other, especially in places like Senegal, where family bonds are incredibly strong. In Senegal, the family functions as both a safety net and an economic engine. Extended families share resources, with 70% of adults participating in the exchange of support. This is particularly important where access to formal financial institutions is limited, and incomes can be unpredictable.

The flow of money and resources typically moves from those who have migrated to those who remain in the family’s original home. These transfers aren’t just about economics; they’re deeply rooted in social norms of redistribution. The strength of this pressure to share depends on the relationship between the migrant and the non-migrant, as well as the specifics of the migrant’s journey.

What happens to these family support systems when people migrate, and how do different migration patterns and financial transfers play out within the family network? What are the underlying economic and social factors driving these transfers, and what keeps them going across time and distance?

Understanding the Migrant’s Role in the Family

Interconnected family networks and financial support in Senegal

This article focuses on money sent by migrants whether they've moved within Senegal or to another country. In Senegal, migration is common, with around two out of three adults experiencing a significant change in residence during their lives. Despite this movement, people still feel strongly connected to their "original household" – the place where they grew up and where they feel a sense of belonging. This household is where important values, including the norm of sharing resources, are instilled.

The connection to the original household involves both emotional ties and practical support, like gifts of money or goods. Whether someone has moved away ("migrant") or stayed behind ("non-migrant"), these relationships are vital. The original household is a central point, especially when parents still live there. These aren't simple one-way relationships. Often, migrants from the same family also exchange support with each other. This shows that the original household isn't just a physical place, but part of a broader, interconnected family network.

  • Migration Motivations: Men often migrate for economic and professional opportunities, whereas women frequently move due to marriage.
  • Network Support: Family and community networks play a crucial role in providing housing and opportunities for migrants.
  • Migration Patterns: Internal migration often involves moves from rural villages to urban centers or Dakar, influenced by housing opportunities.
  • Return Migration: Migration is rarely permanent; individuals often move back and forth between different locations, maintaining strong ties to their original household.
International migration involves greater planning due to higher costs. Migrants often start by moving to other African countries before heading to Europe or North America. These “modu-modu” (a term for Senegalese migrants in informal sectors) rely on their networks for information, housing, and financial help. These networks are typically made up of people from their home communities, highlighting the importance of these connections.

Migration's Enduring Legacy

Migration creates a complex web of support that relies on the strength of family ties. These relationships are shaped by social norms and influenced by life stages. To truly understand these dynamics, we need to keep studying these families over time to see how these patterns evolve.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3917/autr.067.0103, Alternate LINK

Title: Les Liens Des Migrants Internes Et Internationaux À Leur Ménage D'Origine : Portraits Croisés De Familles Étendues Sénégalaises

Journal: Autrepart

Publisher: CAIRN

Authors: Marie Boltz-Laemmel, Paola Villar

Published: 2014-09-04

Everything You Need To Know

1

How do families in Senegal function as both a safety net and an economic engine?

In Senegal, families function as safety nets and economic engines. Extended family members exchange support with each other. Around 70% of adults participate in this exchange, which is especially important where formal financial institutions are limited and incomes are unpredictable. This creates a complex web of support.

2

How does migration influence financial support within Senegalese families, and what factors determine the strength of these financial transfers?

Migration influences financial support within Senegalese families. The flow of money and resources typically moves from migrants to those in their original household. These transfers are based on social norms of redistribution and depend on the relationship between the migrant and the non-migrant, as well as the specifics of the migrant’s journey. Migrants from the same family often exchange support with each other, highlighting the broader, interconnected family network.

3

What are the common motivations and patterns observed in migration within Senegal?

Men often migrate for economic and professional opportunities. Women frequently migrate due to marriage. Family and community networks play a vital role in providing housing and opportunities for migrants. Internal migration often involves moves from rural villages to urban centers or Dakar. Migration is not always permanent, and individuals move back and forth between locations, maintaining ties to their original household.

4

How do Senegalese migrants navigate international migration, and what role do social networks play in this process?

International migration involves greater planning and costs. Senegalese migrants often start by moving to other African countries before moving to Europe or North America. These “modu-modu,” rely on networks for information, housing, and financial help. Networks comprise people from their home communities, highlighting the importance of these connections.

5

What factors influence the dynamics of family financial support in Senegal, and what future research is needed to fully understand these patterns?

The dynamics of family financial support in Senegal are shaped by social norms and influenced by life stages. Ongoing research is necessary to understand how these patterns evolve over time. Additional research could examine how factors like education, access to healthcare, and government policies impact these family support systems.

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