Living Apart Together: Study on Migrant Family Resilience

Abstract

Economic globalization has changed social structures, including family dynamics, with the emergence of the Living Apart Together (LAT) phenomenon, where couples live apart for financial, professional, or personal reasons. This study explores the changing patterns of family relationships influenced by gender roles, communication technology, and social policy. Using a quantitative approach through a survey of 339 LAT families in Indonesia, the results show that most LAT families have moderate resilience, influenced by marital duration, number of family members, and frequency of visits. Although communication technology supports long-distance relationships, physical interaction remains crucial for emotional stability. This study emphasizes that LAT is not just a consequence of migration but also a deliberate household strategy to take advantage of economic opportunities in the global era to improve well-being. The findings enrich the understanding of migration theory, particularly risk and protective factors, as well as the role of gender in migration as part of family strategies. The research highlights the importance of policies that support family adaptation to the challenges of globalization while maintaining a balance between economic mobility and family stability.