Adaptation of City Life and Neighborhood Relations of Female Migrants in Indian Slums

Female migration within India is highly variable in terms of their tendencies to migrate depending on their social status, socioeconomic positions at origin, religion, regional cultural differences, and demand for female labour. However, more recently female migration have increased and diversified. Women with rural origin are increasingly on move to India’s dynamic urban. This study tried to understand the extent of social contacts of female migrants at place of origin and destination and neighbourhood relations at destination. The paper is based on quantitative data collected from 585 female migrants and few in-depth interviews conducted in eight densely populated slums of Mumbai. Findings suggest female migrants feel well adjusted in the city. They not only have high interaction with people from other caste and religion in their neighbourhood but also trust them and rely on them for support. Those with longer duration of stay have developed higher support at the destination.