THE IMPACT OF MIGRATION ON BIRTH, MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE INDICATORS: A DEMOGRAPHIC PROCESS ANALYSIS

Abstract

This article examines how migration affects fertility, marriage, and divorce rates through the interaction of economic, family, gender, and institutional mechanisms. Migration is viewed not only as movement across borders or regions, but also as a demographic factor that alters household time budgets, spousal cohabitation, reproductive planning, marriage timing, caregiving arrangements, and the social meaning of family stability. The article uses international sources, official demographic statistics from Uzbekistan, and sociological interpretations to disentangle the direct effects of physical separation from indirect effects mediated through remittances, urbanization, labor market aspirations, and changing gender roles. The study’s findings suggest that migration can support family well-being by increasing incomes, financing housing and education, and reducing short-term poverty; However, long-term separation can delay childbirth, delay marriage, weaken daily family communication, and increase the vulnerability of couples whose family relationships depend on distance trust. The article argues that migration-sensitive family policies should combine legal labor migration channels, counseling for migrant families, digital communication support, local childcare services, and demographic monitoring of high-risk groups.