Not Only Economics Gain-Much More: How Pakistani Migrant Women Interpret the Migration Success to the UK, A Case Study Applying Relative Deprivation Theory

Authors

  • Syeda Sitwat Hasan Ph.D. Scholar and Visiting Faculty, SZABIST Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Prof. Dr. Taraq Waheed Dean of the Social Sciences Department, SZABIST Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Dr. Noreen Saher Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan

Abstract

While migration is often associated with economic improvement, this study finds that the migration decision-making process is not linear, but more complex. Through the theoretical lens of Relative Deprivation Theory (RDT), this paper analyses how Pakistani women interpret their migration experience from Pakistan to the United Kingdom. The findings of case studies explored how migration shaped and reshaped their perception of deprivation and well-being, not only on economic upgradation but also on emotional, social and cultural domains. Our findings challenge the famous narrative of economic growth and empowerment as a result of migration, adding more to the thesis that perception of deprivation moulds and is reshaped contextually.  This study significantly contributes to disseminating the migrant women’s lesser voices echoed in the literature.

Keywords: Relative Deprivation Theory, RDT, Migrants, Migrant Women, Pakistani Women, Pakistani Migrants, Migration, Life Experiences, Gender, Migration

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Published

2025-05-04

How to Cite

Syeda Sitwat Hasan, Prof. Dr. Taraq Waheed, & Dr. Noreen Saher. (2025). Not Only Economics Gain-Much More: How Pakistani Migrant Women Interpret the Migration Success to the UK, A Case Study Applying Relative Deprivation Theory. `, 3(02), 474–485. Retrieved from https://www.assajournal.com/index.php/36/article/view/347

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 02 (2025): Advance Social Science Archive Journal

Section

Articles