SOCIAL SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES IN POVERTY MIGRATING FROM RURAL TO URBAN AREAS

Abstract

Migration from rural areas to cities has been increasing year by year. Many families migrating from rural areas to cities live in poverty and remain in it after relocation. Despite this, the country lacks social policies to support such families. The aim of the research is to identify the problems faced by poor families migrating from rural areas to urban settings and how they overcome them. Thirteen families participated in in-depth interviews (8 nuclear families and 5 extended families, of which 3 were single-parent families). According to the study’s findings, poor families that have moved from rural areas to cities rely on informal networks (relatives, friends, employers, landlords, acquaintances) for social support and assistance. At the same time, they avoid seeking help from formal sources of support. The main reasons are lack of information and distrust. The experience of migrant families facing stigmatization by local residents in urban settings has also been clarified. It has been proven that the overwhelming majority of these families live in conditions of domestic discomfort and instability due to financial difficulties. For successful integration and social support for migrant families, a social policy of support is needed.