Urbanization, Migration, and the Status of Women

Abstract

This book examines research and policy issues at the intersection of 2 major social transformations: increasing urbanization and changes in the status of women. The geographic focus of the book is Asia with some attention given to the Pacific. By focusing on migration a perspective on a variety of issues related to socioeconomic development is provided. Women in rural areas have distinictive economic roles; their out-migration may have consequences on rural development. There are sex-specific cultural constraints on female mobility and such factors as wage discrimination imply differences in economic expectations for women migrants. There are important distinctions between married and single migrants regarding motivations for migration. The consequences of female migration are different from those of male migration with respect to social effects. Changes in the family as an institution are a central component of modernization and analysis of female migration can help detect trends in family processes. Attention to female migrants is warranted for purposes of better social accounting in developing countries and to provide the basis for more informed judgments and policy decisions on a wide range of issues. This book provides an empirical and conceptual overview of female migration. The situation in 6 countries is reviewed. Each countrys trends and patterns of female migration are analyzed and policies affecting women in urban areas are discussed. 4 case studies are presented each based on interviews with selected groups of migrant and nonmigrant women. The adaptation of female migrants in urban settings and specifically on their occupational roles is discussed. Generalizations are derived and issues of public policy are examined. Various topics of interest are highlighted in this introductory chapter. A historical perspective and a global context for female migration is given. The cultural and structural forces that shape migration are examined as well as marriage and social relationships. The studies done in India Pakistan Malaysia Thailand the Philippines and Korea are briefly outline in this chapter. Recommendations for policy and research are touched upon.