Ubuntu Tensions in Migrant Remittance Behavior: The Case of African Migrants’ Lived Experiences

This study, based on in-depth interviews with 50 African migrants living in the United Kingdom, argues for a more nuanced approach to studying their remittance behavior. Drawing from the tension-centered approach, we posit that African migrants derived their remittance behavior in tensional ways based on the philosophy of Ubuntu, which is both enabling and constraining, stemming from the social context of the home and host countries. This occurs through ongoing negotiation with allegiance to Ubuntu from their home African country, their acculturation to the host country, and migrants scaling back from remitting due to ongoing experiences. In addition to examining migrant remittance behavior as a dynamic and contested negotiation, the sociocultural implications of such remittance behavior patterns are identified. We conclude by discussing some implications for future research on remittance behavior. Our research thus contributes to a more fine-grained understanding of the remittance behavior of African migrants.