Assessing Dual Predicament of Male out-migration on Left behind Wives in India

Migration is radically changing the socio-economic, demographic and development profile of India. Hence an attempt has been made to explore the impact of male out-migration on the left-behind wives and compare the situation of these women with the wives of non-migrants using the National Family Health Survey-3 (2005-2006) data. The main focus of the study is on the health of the left-behind wives including RTI/STI and HIV. The study reveals that most of the out-migration is taking place from the rural areas in India. In a nutshell, one can say that migration of men provides some economic relief to their families, but the women have to pay a heavy price in the form of excessive stress. It does not improve the health status of the left-behind wives; rather, it puts them at a greater risk of developing STDs. Hence, male out-migration portrays dual predicament (positive and negative) for left-behind wives.