Identity, sociality and mobility: Understanding internal fisher migration along India’s east coast

Rao, Nitya ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6318-0147 and J.D, Sophia (2023) Identity, sociality and mobility: Understanding internal fisher migration along India’s east coast. Maritime Studies (MAST). ISSN 2212-9790 (In Press)

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Abstract

Fisher movement in the pursuit of fish is a well-established truism. In this paper, we explore the motivations and mechanisms deployed for internal migration within the fishing sector in coastal Tamil Nadu, rather than only on the seas, as a strategy for both economic and social mobility. Marine fisheries in India is a caste-based occupation, with its own social and political hierarchy, responsible for the governance and management of common resources. For those belonging to the subordinate fishing castes, excluded from decision-making processes, migration is an important strategy for gaining economic resources, social power and recognition as skilled and successful marine fishermen. Using qualitative research methods, the paper explores the migration of fishermen from Rajakuppam, a small fishing village in Cuddalore district, belonging to such a subordinate fishing caste, to Kasimedu, in the capital city of Chennai, the largest fishing harbour in the state of Tamil Nadu. We find that family and its social organization, in particular kinship and marriage ties, brokered by senior women, are significant factors in facilitating successful migration. Recognizing women’s contributions to the sector, both direct and through their social reproductive and networking activities, invisible in both the larger maritime literature and production-centric fisheries’ policy-making, is crucial for achieving wellbeing and sustainability outcomes.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	sdg 11 - sustainable cities and communities,sdg 14 - life below water ,/dk/atira/pure/sustainabledevelopmentgoals/sustainable_cities_and_communities
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Social Sciences > School of International Development University of East Anglia Research Groups/Centres > Theme - ClimateUEA
UEA Research Groups:	University of East Anglia Schools > Faculty of Science > Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research Faculty of Science > Research Centres > Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Groups > Gender and Development Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Groups > Health and Disease Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Groups > Life Course, Migration and Wellbeing Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Groups > Literacy and Development Group
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	18 Aug 2023 14:33
Last Modified:	18 Aug 2023 14:33
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/92886
DOI:

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