ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides a historical perspective and a global context for the topic of female migration. It looks at female migration from the perspective of social relationships, especially family linkages both before and after marriage. The book argues that the rural/urban dichotomy used by migration researchers is not very meaningful to individuals, who tend to think of movement in relation to their network of social relationships, including those in the past as well as future expectations. It presents a substantial body of demographic data, as well as discussing aspects of female migration and policies for urban women. The book reviews the striking changes in female migration patterns in Thailand and discusses the need for certain public services, especially in Bangkok. Iran is dramatically different from the countries in East and Southeast Asia, mainly because of its conservative Islamic traditions.
