Remittances: The Impact on Families in Armenia

Armenian families have a long history of receiving remittances. Currently remittances are a major component of the Armenian economy and have a significant impact on families. Utilizing the results of in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted in the capital city of Yerevan, this article examined how remittances affected the lives, well-being, and family relationships of the people who received them. As families managed without their migrant family members, they developed systems and routines that helped them cope with the absence. In addition, they utilized networks of social capital that allowed them to persist despite significant interpersonal challenges. Insights from this study will inform specialists who serve migrant families, helping them better understand what their clients are experiencing and enabling them to provide strength-based approaches.