The internal migration-development nexus: Evidence from southern India

Abstract

This study examines the extent to which the internal migration-development nexus is operational in four panchayats or village councils in northwest Tamil Nadu. We investigate who participates in labor migration in this context and explore the experiences of and outcomes from labor migration for migrant workers and their households. In addition, we examine the motivations for migration among migrant households and the barriers to migration among non-migrant households. We argue that internal labor migration can contribute to development in this setting. However, recognition of the barriers to and within migration is needed to frame subsequent policy discussions and rural development planning.