Assessing the socio-economic challenges of rural-to-urban migration : a case study of Hlaing Thar Yar Township, Yangon City, Myanmar | |
| Author | Hnin Htet Htet Htun |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.DP-24-04 |
| Subject(s) | Migration, Internal--Burma--Social aspects Migration, Internal--Burma--Economic aspects Internal migrants--Burma--Social aspects Internal migrants--Burma--Economic aspects |
| Note | A thesis submitted in patial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Development Planning Management and Innovation |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | This research tried to address a significant knowledge gap in understanding rural-to-urban migration dynamics, with great attention to the socioeconomic difficulties faced by migrants in the garment sector focusing on in Hlaing Thar Yar Township, Myanmar. It investigated the multifaceted reasons driving migration, the changes experienced post-migration, and the socioeconomic challenges encountered, particularly in housing and employment. The study involved household surveys and in-depth interviews with 20 migrants in garment factories using snowball sampling, alongside 8 key informant interviews with NGO and CSO representatives using purposive sampling. Qualitative analysis was mainly used, and some quantitative analysis was added to the findings.The findings revealed a complex interplay of economic, social, and environmental factors driving garment workers' migration, following sequential and stepwise patterns. Factors such as income instability, limited rural opportunities, urban job prospects, access to services, social networks, familial obligations, and environmental conditions influenced migration dynamics. Less recognized factors like microfinance debt, brokers, political unrest, and gender-based violence also played significant roles. Despite wage stability and job security improvements in Yangon, migrants faced challenges including limited job prospects, labor exploitation, inadequate housing, and substandard living conditions. A notable gap in NGOs’ support services for migrant was identified, attributed to political regulatory constraints, limited budget, trust issues, insufficient data and resources, limited coverage, and cooperation.This study offered detailed and nuanced insights of the socioeconomic difficulties encountered. It advanced theoretical discussions and deepened our understanding of the dynamics of rural-to-urban migration in emerging nations. It emphasized the need for comprehensive strategies to address structural disparities in housing and employment, including laws that support equitable labor practices and solutions for affordable housing. It also identified areas that require greater investigation to get a deeper knowledge of long-term socio-economic integration and well-being, as well as gaps in government and NGOs efforts to meet migrant socio economic needs. By filling in knowledge gaps regarding the socioeconomic difficulties faced by migrant garment workers and it added to discussions on rural-to-urban migration dynamics and informs inclusive policies to help migrant communities in Myanmar's urban centers by providing in-depth insights into migratory trends and socioeconomic constraints. |
| Year | 2024 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Development Planning Management and Innovation (DPMI) |
| Chairperson(s) | Ahmad, Mokbul Morshed |
| Examination Committee(s) | Thi, Phuoc Lai Nguyen;Tsusaka, Takuji W. |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | AIT Scholarship |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2024 |