Changing Gender Roles through Remittances: A Sociological Analysis of Left-Behind Families in District Poonch

Abstract

This study examines the sociological impact of international labor migration and remittances on changing gender roles within left-behind families in District Poonch,Kashmir. In a traditionally patriarchal society where men have long been the primary breadwinners and decision-makers, the migration of male family members for employment has shifted household responsibilities toward women. This research aims to understand how remittances, as both economic and symbolic resources, influence women's roles, autonomy, and participation in family and community life.

Using a qualitative research design, in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 left-behind women whose husbands or close male relatives were working abroad. Data were analyzed thematically to explore patterns of role transformation, emotional burden, and social perception. The findings reveal that while remittances improve household living standards and empower women in areas such as financial management, children’s education, and healthcare decision-making, these changes are often accompanied by increased emotional stress, overwork, and persistent social control by in-laws and extended families.

Current study highlights a complex transformation: gender roles are shifting, but not in a linear or liberating way for all women. Many women are navigating a “bargain with patriarchy,” where their newfound authority exists within traditional boundaries. The research contributes to the broader literature on migration, gender, and social change, emphasizing that remittances are not merely economic tools but also powerful agents of sociocultural transformation.

The study concludes with policy recommendations to support left-behind women through capacity-building programs, gender-sensitive financial services, and greater recognition of their evolving roles. These insights are valuable for sociologists, policymakers, NGOs, and development practitioners working in the fields of gender, migration, and community development.