Employment, Gender Roles and Changing Family Structures In The Context of Labour Migration To Brick Kilns

Abstract

Labour migration is a characteristic feature in the Indian economy. Migration may be driven by inequalities in local employment, wages, and access to living conditions. A growing phenomenon is being observed, where not only singles but the entire household migrates for seasonal work in peri-urban informal work settings. This type of seasonal migration can have various consequences for women, children and on the existing family structures. Our study explores the experiences of men and women engaged in the brick kiln industry, focusing on their roles, decision-making capacities, and coping strategies during transformation in family dynamics. The study employs a mixed-methods approach. Information was collected about migrant’s family, livelihood patterns, migration history, drivers of migration, and household composition. Qualitative insights are drawn from in-depth interviews (IDs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with workers and their family members. The findings are expected to provide baseline relevant information that can enable policymakers to design targeted interventions and implement necessary reforms to reduce existing risks and promote the overall development of women and children in the migrant families.

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