Socio-Cultural Influences on Remittance Determinants and Economic Impact in Nadia District, West Bengal: The Role of Religion and Caste

Chandrima Paul, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

Remittances from international migrants are vital to the economies of developing regions, including Nadia district in West Bengal, India. This study investigates how religion and caste shape the socio-cultural profile of migrant households and influence the determinants and impacts of remittance flows. It examines factors such as migrant age, marital status, frequency of visits, and household head characteristics (age, marital status, employment status). The study also explores how these socio-cultural factors affect investment and saving behaviors within remittance-receiving households. Data were collected from 300 remittance-receiving households through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews, employing quantitative and thematic analysis. Findings indicate that certain caste groups, like those in the General category, favor younger migrants, while others, such as OBC, SC, and ST, prefer older members despite fewer job opportunities. Hindu households tend to send younger migrants, while Muslim households invest more in land and livestock and save more for the future. Households with married heads receive fewer remittances, whereas widowed or unmarried heads receive more. Understanding these socio-cultural influences is crucial for optimizing remittance benefits and fostering economic development in the Nadia district.

Keywords: Internal Migration and Urbanization, Economic Demography, Population and Development, Small area estimation

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