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Timing and Frequency of Fathers’ Migration and Nutritional Status of Left-Behind Children in India: A Life Course Approach

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  • Kriti Vikram

    (National University of Singapore)

Abstract

This article adopts a life course perspective to examine the association between fathers’ migration and children's nutritional outcomes using the 2004–2005 and 2011–2012 waves of the national India Human Development Panel Survey (IHDS). It uses a sample of 8658 children aged six to eleven years and lagged dependent variable models to find that fathers’ migration in wave 2 is positively associated with height and weight (measured as height-for-age and weight-for-age z-scores) for boys. Moreover, fathers’ migration in both waves is associated with higher height-for-age z-scores for boys. On the other hand, fathers' current migration and migration over the two waves is disadvantageous for girls. The results also show that remittances received by the household improve height-for-age z-scores, primarily for boys. Lastly, fathers' repeated migrations are associated with a higher standard of living and increased consumption per capita for left-behind households suggesting plausible pathways linking fathers’ migration with child well-being. These results underscore the significance of gender norms, migration timing, and frequency for children’s health.

Suggested Citation

  • Kriti Vikram, 2023. "Timing and Frequency of Fathers’ Migration and Nutritional Status of Left-Behind Children in India: A Life Course Approach," Population Research and Policy Review, Springer;Southern Demographic Association (SDA), vol. 42(1), pages 1-29, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:poprpr:v:42:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1007_s11113-023-09746-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s11113-023-09746-6
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