Impact of Globalisation on Women's Migration and Kinship in India
The article by Irfanullah Farooqi explores the influence of globalisation on migration patterns, particularly focusing on how it affects women from middle and upper classes in India. This phenomenon is studied in the context of socio-economic changes, personal freedoms, and evolving family dynamics.
Migration as a Feature of Globalisation
- Migration as a Consequence: Migration is a significant aspect of globalisation, driven by the quest for better opportunities.
- Historical Context: Migration has historically been motivated by needs such as food, community, and safety.
- Modern Patterns: In post-independence India, urbanisation has primarily driven migration, with cities offering better education and employment opportunities. Initially, men dominated this migration wave, but women started participating significantly in the subsequent waves.
Women's Migration in the Globalisation Era
- Focus on Middle and Upper Classes: The article primarily discusses the migration of women from Tier II and Tier III cities to metropolitan areas.
- Drivers of Migration: Globalisation has increased awareness and aspirations among women, motivating them to seek opportunities beyond traditional confines.
- Family Support: Changing family attitudes, where women's education is increasingly valued, have facilitated this migration.
Consequences and Transformations
- Professional Advancement: Women benefit from quality education and career growth, reflected in the increase in female labour force participation in urban areas, reaching 28% in 2023-24.
- Redefining Womanhood: Migration has allowed women to experience autonomy in personal and professional decisions, leading to a reconceptualisation of marriage as a mutual contract.
- Changing Marriage Trends: Trends such as delayed marriages and inter-community unions have emerged, highlighting a shift towards individual choice.
- Educational Influence: The emphasis on education and exposure to global perspectives has informed women about their rights, contributing to India’s fertility rate aligning with replacement levels.
Societal Implications and Challenges
- Social Attitudes: While societal attitudes towards women's roles are evolving positively, challenges such as increased crimes against women and moral policing persist.
- Resilience and Adaptation: Women have developed strategies to navigate patriarchal constraints, reflecting what Deniz Kandiyoti terms the "patriarchal bargain."
- Class and Caste Dynamics: The experiences of migrating women differ based on socio-economic backgrounds. Middle and upper-class women migrate due to aspiration, unlike lower-income women who migrate out of compulsion.
Conclusion
The migration of educated, working women from middle and upper classes presents new frameworks for understanding womanhood and kinship. The societal acceptance of these frameworks will indicate progress and reflect on our values. The article encourages reflection on how urban migration challenges traditional norms and what societal priorities it reveals.