04 Psychosocial Impact of Male Migration on the Women Left Behind

Abstract

The present research explores the psychological and social consequences of male migration on the plight of women are left behind. The findings of  the research suggest that the impact of migration on the wives of the migrants is positive as well as negative. The research found that on a personal level, the women face social issues like gender discrimination and sexual harassment in absence of their men along with experiencing other difficulties like sexual frustration, and lack of social support. In term of  relational factors, they felt lonely, anxious, a sense of insecurity and stress owing to the need to manage household affairs, run errands, and added responsibilities of looking after the children and the in-laws singlehandedly. The research also found that male migration also brought a positive transformation in the social roles of these women. These women reported increased empowerment in terms of self-reliance, self-confidence, independence and decision-making abilities.