Demographic and socio-cultural consequences of international migration in rural Bangladesh

Abstract

This research examines demographic and socio-cultural consequences of south-north migration in the south at the family-level Using data from a nationally representative sample survey of 1,030 families in Bangladesh, the study argues that temporary migrants from the south to the north influence their left behind families by raising living standard and modifying the cultural behaviors through interacting northern ideas with the southern traditions. The demographic consequences of emigration are felt negligible when people keep moving in a wider span of time from a community. Findings reveal that financial and social aspects of international migration affect health behavior and mortality, nuptiality and practice of dowry, women's work and seclusion, living arrangement and decision-making role: The study concludes that south-north migration can be an important determinant of social change in the south when financial capacity and modem exposures work synergistically with the traditional values of the south.