The Changes of Economic Structure and Poverty of Women Migrant Worker in Majangtengah Village

Abstract

The problem of poverty in the rural area of Java is a structural and cultural problem in multidimensional aspects. This research attempts to discern the women migrant workers (WMW) contribution to change their origin, the village they live, so that the WMW family is able to fulfill the needs for a worthy life and later increases the welfare of the village. This research was conducted in Majangtengah Village, Dampit, Malang District. It analyses the economic and poverty condition using a mixed-method, both qualitative and quantitative. The poverty level in the village of sender’s of WMW has changed over 30 years. There is no longer poverty in this village which can be seen from the resident house, source of drinking water, facilities of village infrastructure, including the means of worship and Islamic religious school, Madrasah. The WMW has a substantial contribution to their village. There is no unemployment; the children can get their education; the husband can create jobs outside the farm such as being a driver, open stalls/shops, make handicrafts from wood/bamboo, and establish a productive household business.