Although some role reversals surface during the time of separation, it is not clear whether
these gender role changes are transitional or enduring. For example, the few husbands
who have become full time carers expressed the wish for their wives to return so they can
pursue other activities (Asis et. al, 2004). While migrants are abroad, they do not stop
being parents as they continue to provide guidance to their children from a distance—
some studies have focused on mothering from a distance such as Parreñas (2001; 2005).
Studies on male migrants or those including male migrants (McKay, 2011; ECMI/AOSManila
et al., 2004; Lamvik, 2012) also report a similar role performance by migrant
fathers. McKay’s study centring on the masculine identities of Filipino seafarers reveals
how seafarers manage to combine other elements with providership in constructing
their identities. During their work abroad, engaging in sexual risk taking can be read as
channelling virility. Those who choose not to play this role choose instead to construct
manhood in terms of self-discipline and their responsibility as providers. During their