Socio-economic impact of foreign remittances on households : a case study of Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Abstract

The current study explores the socio-economic impact of foreign remittances on households. The main objectives of the study were to explore that how remittances have affected the recipient households and also that in what way it has affected women’s empowerment. The study was also intended to explore the motives behind migration and analyze the consumption and expenditure patterns of the recipient households. Quantitative research method was being used. Methodology used for this research was case-study. The data was collected by using structured questionnaires as research tool. The sample was constituted of 200 respondents. The sample was chosen using snowball technique where I asked my initial respondents to help me other recipient families. The data reveals that migration has many positive impacts on recipient households. It has resulted in improved living conditions for the recipient families and they have better access to education and health facilities. It has also created new opportunities for women and they are now more empowered and more involved in decision-making process. These migrations have also resulted in changing gender-roles in the family. However, it is important to note here that in addition to many positive aspects, migration has negatively affected the families as well. The study reveals that both genders face double-burden, experience the feelings of loneliness and psychological strain. Children of the recipient families also miss the presence of their father. The study concludes that foreign remittances bring many facilities to the recipients and help improve their living standard but at the social front, there are a number of factors that make it a negative agenda at large.