What's in a Name? How migrants are changing social codes in a Nepali municipality

Everyday 1500 Nepalis of all different castes migrate overseas in pursuit of a better life, sending money home to family and returning when they can, often laden with foreign gifts. As a result, the economic capital of families and individuals in Nepal is growing, allowing many to escape from poverty, invest in the education of their children and generally enjoy more leisure time. With more money circulating among communities across Nepal, it appears that social codes are changing, moving from traditional ideas of caste to more economically rooted ideas of class. This thesis explores how out-migration from Nepal is impacting the social structure of an area called Waling. Inspired by Bourdieu’s theories of Capital and Habitus, I use a mixed methods approach to understand how an increasing ability to accumulate capital in its various forms is influencing how social position is determined. I consider the historical events that have helped shape Nepali society today, including the formation of the caste system and the rise of migration. I then detail how migration has changed perceptions of the caste system in Waling, and discuss how class appears to be growing in relevance. With this in mind, I question whether changing class also means changing caste