ABSTRACT
Migration is not a new phenomenon. It is as old as human civilization. People migrate from one place to another place for their livelihood. The main reason males migrate is to fulfil their basic needs. This chapter explores the impact of remittances upon the families in which the male members or breadwinners live outside the country. Data was collected through the qualitative method, and six case studies and four semi-structured interviews were conducted during fieldwork. Non-participant observation was also done to understand the phenomenon of migration among villages of the Doaba region. Women living without their husbands were interviewed. The chapter traces the significant changes in the family structure, such as more autonomy, independent decisions related to money matters, etc. All this, when accompanied by free will, is often a breath of fresh air for the womenfolk. They act as head of the household and take on all the responsibilities related to their child’s education and other economic matters. However, the patriarchal power continues to remain in the hands of their in-laws.
