| |
| author |
Ramisha Tuba
| | title |
From Rural to Urban: Climate-Induced Migration and the Reshaping of Dhaka's Ethnic, Political, and Religious Identity
| | abstract |
Migration reshapes social, ethnic, and religious dynamics, challenging the boundaries between
nature and culture as rural practices integrate into urban environments. This thesis investigates the
multifaceted relationship between environmental crises, migration, and cultural transformation in
Bangladesh, a nation at the forefront of climate change's most profound impacts. Rising sea levels,
saltwater intrusion, and extreme weather events dismantle traditional lifestyles, forcing rural and coastal
populations to migrate to urban centers like Dhaka. These migrations are not merely movements of people
but transformations of culture, economy, and identity, reshaping urban spaces and testing the resilience of
social systems. The transformation of Dhaka into a megacity provides a critical lens through which to
understand Bangladesh's socio-environmental evolution. This study contextualizes these changes within
the country's historical relationship with its geography and economy, examining the interplay between
ecological vulnerabilities, agricultural practices, and industrialization. The analysis delves into how
migration catalyzes shifts in Dhaka's ethnic, political, and religious fabric, offering a broader perspective
on the changing dynamics of urban life in the Global South. Moreover, this research underscores the
urgent need for policies holistically addressing migration's environmental and cultural dimensions. The
study highlights the complex interdependencies between human communities and their environments by
integrating historical, ecological, and sociological perspectives. It seeks to contribute to global discussions
on climate-induced displacement, offering insights that extend beyond Bangladesh to inform strategies for
managing migration and urbanization in the face of global climate crises.
| | school |
The College of Liberal Arts, Drew University
| | degree |
B.A. (2025)
|
| advisor |
Allan Charles Dawson
|
| full text | RTuba.pdf |
| |
