A SOCIOLOGICAL ENQUIRY IN TO THE CONDITION OF NRI's WIVES AT THRISSUR (ePub)

Migration is a phenomenon found in all over the world from ancient ages. Since the early life of human beings as hunters and gatherers who moved continually in search of food. In ancient times, migration involved the movement of entire societies that carried their culture with them. But in modern times migration has become an individual or a family enterprise rather than an organized group movement.

Migration is a worldwide social phenomenon According to the United Nations Multilingual Demographic Dictionary; "Migration is a form of geographical mobility or spatial mobility between one geographical unit and another, generally involving a change in residence from the place of origin or place of departure to the place of destination or place of arrival". Due to lack of sufficient employment opportunities, Indians have been migrating to various countries including Gulf countries.

Migration of population means movement of individuals from one place to another may be within the country or outside it. It has been influenced by the social, economic, political, cultural, demographic or religious life of the people. Migration is closely linked with urbanization and industrialization. India being an agrarian economy, employment opportunities are very scarce. The people migrate to the countries to find out job opportunities and remain there for a long period.

Migration falls in to several broad categories, first is internal and the second is international migration. Within any country there are movements of individuals and families from one area to another, and this is distinct movement from one country to another. Second migration may be voluntary or forced, most of the voluntary migration, whether internal or external is undertaken is search of better economic opportunities or housing. Forced migration usually involves people who have been expelled by governments during war or other political upheavals. Intermediate between these two categories are the voluntary migration of refugees fleeing from war, famine or natural disasters.