Changes in Perception of Gender Roles: Returned Migrants (Report‪)‬

Byline: Ruhi Khalid This study explored how migration influenced gender role perceptions. A comparison of returned migrants with non-migrants was made to see the effects of migration-repatriation. Sample of 120 men and women returned migrants were interviewed and Islamic Attitude towards Women Scale (Khalid and Freiz, 2004) was administered. t-test results showed significant differences in attitude towards gender roles. Changes in the returned migrant groups were also related to a number of demographic factors. Results also suggested that returned migrant men and women either take on new patterns of behavior or maintain the traditional ones only when these are congruent with financial concerns of the family or can be integrated into living conditions in Pakistan upon return.