Empty Nests: A Study on the Left-Behind Parents of Emigrated Children from Punjab (India)

Abstract

The ever-occurring phenomenon of migration has great impact on the lives of migrants and their left-behind families. The mechanism of migration has physically separated many families. The present study is an attempt to understand how transnational migration has impacted the lives of left-behind parents living in the village Khizarabad, Punjab, India. Data from 30 parents were collected using in-depth interviews and quasi-participant observation methods. Couple of interviews were counted as one parent and as one interview. Experiences of parents were documented using narratives. The findings of the study revealed that the emotional cost of migration is suffered by the left-behind parents. The remittances received by the parents improved their economic conditions but at the same time decreases physical and emotional support. The paper also draws a conclusion that technology has played a vital role in such situations as it strengthens family ties across borders through phone calls and video calls.