Remittance-driven livelihood change and evolving gender roles in Lombok

This exploratory sequential mixed-methods study examines how remittances shape livelihoods and gender relations in migrant-sending communities across Lombok. An initial qualitative phase involved 32 return migrants, spouses, and community leaders; a supplementary phase added 16 targeted interviews, 10 follow-up contacts, and a survey of 220 adults across all five administrative areas of the island. Qualitative findings showed that remittances supported enterprise, education, housing, and emergency savings while redistributing financial authority and care. Survey results similarly showed that women in migrant-related households reported greater financial authority and economic agency than men, but also heavier unpaid care burdens. Current migrant households reported more emotional strain than return-migrant households. The article develops a three-pathway account of remittance-driven change – economic, relational, and aspirational – conditioned by migration governance and limited local opportunities. The findings support household-inclusive financial services, gender-sensitive care and psychosocial support, and staged returnee-enterprise assistance.