Overseas migration and the well-being of those left behind in rural communities of Bangladesh.

Hadi A.

PIP: The role of the economic and social aspects of overseas migration in improving the well-being of household members left behind in rural communities of Bangladesh is examined in the study presented in this article. Sample households were categorized according to three migration perspectives: 1) duration of migration, 2) intensity of migration, and 3) nature of exposure to migration. Findings indicated that there were positive changes standard of living as a result of the inflow of remittances. Migrants who earned money and stayed abroad longer were better able to save money and invest the remittances in less productive sectors than were nonmigrants. The economic well-being of those left behind, as well as the ability of the migrant family worker to send money to their dependents at home depended on the intensity and duration of exposure experienced by the migrant family member. The improvement in well-being was observable for all indicators. Additionally, the diffusion of secular values may have played a role in modifying the health-seeking behavior of migrant household members left behind as they kept in touch with migrant family members. In view of the increasing globalization of economies, governments and private foundations should provide appropriate structures for the spending of remittances and should modify the livelihood and behavior of migrant communities.

PMID: 12295290