Abstract

Large dam projects, while contributing significantly to national development, have caused widespread displacement of rural families in India. These projects often lead to loss of land, livelihood, cultural dislocation, and social fragmentation. The proposed study, “Displacement and Livelihood: Impact of Dam-Induced Displacement on Rural Family,” aims to examine how dam-induced displacement affects the structure, livelihood, and intergenerational dynamics of rural families in India, with a specific focus on the socio-economic and emotional consequences of resettlement. This research intends to analyze how displacement reshapes the traditional joint family system, alters gender roles, and influences children’s education and elderly care. It will explore the coping strategies employed by displaced families, the role of state rehabilitation policies, and the persistence of livelihood insecurity even after resettlement. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study will employ both quantitative surveys and qualitative case studies in dam-affected regions of Odisha (for example, Hirakud and Indravati projects). Primary data will be collected through household surveys, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews with displaced families, community leaders, and government officials. The study’s significance lies in connecting family sociology with development-induced displacement literature. By analyzing the family as a social unit under stress, the research will provide a nuanced understanding of how development projects disrupt social cohesion, kinship relations, and gender balance in rural India. The expected outcomes include a comprehensive assessment of displacement’s multi-dimensional impacts, an evaluation of policy responses, and recommendations for inclusive rehabilitation frameworks. The findings will contribute to policy formulation by emphasizing the need for family-sensitive rehabilitation and livelihood restoration programs that preserve social and cultural continuity alongside economic compensation.