Migration brings both economic and social change. This is particularly pronounced in the case of female migration and return.

The article describes the cultural and social transformations brought about, particularly in rural areas, by the increasing temporary labour emigration of women from Bangladesh, a country influenced by Islam. It explores the interplay of various global processes: increased demand for female labour, development cooperation and climate change, as well as agricultural restructuring, and describes reactions to female returnees and the processes which they initiate.

Prof. Petra Dannecker
University of Vienna
Institute for international development
Vienna, Austria
petra.dannecker@univie.ac.at