Role of Gender in Typology of Migration and its Impact on Women’s Empowerment

Migration is a common phenomenon in India, but households have different patterns and typologies of migration. After the household decides to migrate, the next step is determining the migration pattern, which can involve either a single household member migrating or multiple members, including spouses and children. The decision-making process regarding migration, including the choice to migrate or not, as well as the specific typology of migration selected by households, is influenced by various economic, social, and gender factors. These factors also play a significant role in shaping the outcomes of migration. In this context, the study examines to what extent gender is associated with the causes and consequences of migration and its typologies. In specific, this paper explores the role of gender and other related socio-cultural factors in explaining decisions pertaining to migration and its typology and examines the impact of migration and its typology on women’s empowerment. The study was conducted in Nuh, a backward district in India, where migration is mainly distress-led. The study includes a primary survey that encompasses 448 households covering 2634 household members. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study reveals distinct intra-household migration typologies shaped significantly by gender-related factors, which, in turn, exert a profound impact on outcomes on women empowerment. The findings emphasise the multifaceted nature of household migration decisions and underscore the importance of holistic approaches that address gender disparities for sustainable development and inclusive growth in rural regions like Nuh district and similar regions.