International Area Studies Review
Volume 19, Issue 1, 2016, Pages 76-89

Climate variability, livelihoods and social inequities: The vulnerability of migrant workers in Indian cities (Article)

Santha S.D.* , Jaswal S. , Sasidevan D. , Khan A. , Datta K. , Kuruvilla A.
  • a Tata Institute of Social Sciences, India
  • b Tata Institute of Social Sciences, India
  • c Tata Institute of Social Sciences, India
  • d Tata Institute of Social Sciences, India
  • e Tata Institute of Social Sciences, India
  • f Tata Institute of Social Sciences, India

Abstract

This paper examines the vulnerability context of migrant workers in the informal sector in three Indian cities (Kochi, Surat and Mumbai), specifically in terms of how their livelihoods interface with climate variability, related hazard events and social inequities. It examines the progression of population vulnerability from a political economy perspective. The underlying assumption is that migrant workers’ vulnerability to climate variability in cities is closely embedded within the wider political economy of their day-to-day livelihood struggles. A mixed methodology design was adopted to carry out the study. Data from 50 migrants in each of the three cities were collected using a semi-structured interview schedule. The research demonstrates that urban vulnerability is a condition that shapes and reshapes itself continuously and fiercely, accompanied by the processes and structures of unplanned rapid urbanisation, environmental change and social exclusion. A significant feature of migrant workers’ vulnerability is its multi-dimensionality. This paper suggests that urban planners involved in environmental governance and risk reduction have to critically reflect on certain terminologies and practices in the field of climate change, while addressing these multi-dimensionalities. © The Author(s) 2016.

Author Keywords

Political economy Vulnerability Livelihoods Climate change Assets

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84964012395&doi=10.1177%2f2233865915626832&partnerID=40&md5=c981fea959544c86836d3578bdf04498
DOI: 10.1177/2233865915626832
ISSN: 22338659
Cited by: 4
Original Language: English