Migrants and Their Social Networks: A Study of Kuki Migrants in Delhi

Abstract

This paper discusses the role and importance of social networks in the migration process. It explores the formation of social networks among the Kuki migrants in Delhi. Drawing insights from the theoretical and conceptual literature on social networks and based on field observations and personal narratives of migrants, the study analyses the importance of social networks for migrants and explains how social networks help the migrants cope with a new social environment. The Kuki migrants have been classified into two categories, namely ‘pioneer’ and ‘follower’ migrants. While pioneer Kuki migrants hardly had any ties and merely depended on ‘weak ties’, it was follower migrants who took the benefits of ethnic and kinship networks. The study conclusively found that social networks have been instrumental though various pull factors at the place of destination and push factors at the place of origin have contributed for Kuki migration to Delhi. The migrants have formed ethnic clusters, which have turned out to be a survival strategy in a new social milieu. The social networks not only have helped migrants to deal with challenges and constraints in an alien environment but also instilled a sense of confidence in them to overcome psychological stress and isolation.