The Culture of Migration and Aspirations of Youth in Kerala: An Anthropological Demographic Study

Sulaiman K M, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

This study explores the culture of migration and the aspirations of youth in Kerala, India, a region with a long history of international emigration, particularly to the Persian Gulf. It examines how this culture influences young Keralites' perceptions and decisions regarding migration. Moving beyond the traditional focus on economic benefits, this research investigates the broader social impacts of migration on community status relations and youth aspirations. The study uses an anthropological demographic approach, integrating quantitative data from surveys of 491 college students and qualitative data from 43 open-ended interviews and key informant interviews in Calicut, Kerala. Findings reveal a deeply ingrained culture of migration in Kerala, shaped by decades of migration history, which encourages further migration and informs youths' cautious optimism about local opportunities. Migration is seen as a viable path to achieving economic stability and a middle-class lifestyle, but there is also a growing awareness of its challenges. This culture of migration reflects a social environment where migration is a normalized and respected life choice, shaping both individual and community identities in Kerala.

Keywords: International Migration, Mixed methods research, Historical Demography, Families, Unions and Households

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