World Bank study finds Saudi returnees bring conservative gender norms to Kerala

A World Bank study has revealed that migrants returning to Kerala from Saudi Arabia are bringing back conservative social attitudes that differ significantly from those returning from other Gulf Cooperation Council nations. The research, which utilizes data from the Kerala Migration Survey, suggests that these individuals transmit “social remittances”—cultural values and behavioral expectations—that impact local gender norms.

Specifically, the study found that returnees from Saudi Arabia exhibit more conservative attitudes toward gender-based violence and physical violence against women compared to those with no migration experience. In contrast, migrants returning from other parts of the Gulf region did not show this same pattern.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor described the findings as “disturbing,” noting that the import of reactionary customs is at odds with Kerala’s history of progressive Islamic practices and high levels of education for women. He called for internal discussion within the community to address these shifting social attitudes.