Socio - Economic Impact of International Remittances on Rural Dwellings

Abstract

The present study revealed the socioeconomic impact of remittances on the rural dwellings of Potohar Region in Pakistan. The dates presented in the article were collected by using qualitative anthropological techniques. In the study, 52 households were observed with one or more than one of their family members as overseas migrants. International remittances are received which contribute to the socioeconomic uplift of households, poverty reduction and upward income mobility. Transformations in living standards were observed. Socially and economically deprived households started depicting construction of big luxurious house building that represented not only comfort, modern trends of lifestyle, but also served symbolic representation of foreign money. International remittances served as a sign of prestige. The overseas migration served as a cushion to absorb economic stress. Further, one or more family members served as a strong socioeconomic back and prestige for the rest of the household members in their native region.