Social Networking of Migrants and Its Impact on Their Decisions

Migration networks develop social institutions among migrants that strengthen social ties between sending and receiving regions sustaining a permanent flow of migration. However, the role of social network on migration has mainly been viewed from the point of making the move.
The present paper has focused on social networking of migrants at the place of destination and its impact on their well being as well as on their future intention to migrate. The study is based on data collected primarily from 310 northeast migrants in Mumbai city during September 2007 – February 2008. The use of proportionate quota sampling design assured fair representation of migrants from the seven states of Northeast India.
A composite index called social networking index that considers important characteristics is computed to measure social networking of northeast migrants. Result indicates that the more vulnerable migrants, be it female migrants, younger and single migrants etc. have higher social networking than married migrants, higher income etc. It is seen that migrants with greater networking intend to migrate more than migrants who are relatively less connected, showing that networking cannot be equated with well-being. The effect of social network would become negative when a larger network hinders growth or opportunities.