Moving in and out of vulnerability : interrogating migration as an adaptation strategy along a rural-urban continuum in India

Drawing on life history interviews, the paper explores the role of migration and commuting in addressing livelihood vulnerability along a rural–urban continuum in Karnataka, India. Using life histories as a methodological tool can complement econometric approaches, allowing for in‐depth and temporally sensitive inquiry into the drivers and consequences of migration. The study locates present‐day vulnerability in Kolar and Gulbarga as points on a regionally differentiated development pathway. Both Kolar and Gulbarga are sites of prominent out-migration due to their geographical contexts. Findings show drivers of migration are based on livelihood expectations, and perceived lack of opportunities in rural areas.UK Department for International Development (DFID