Replication Data for: Left-Behind or Left-Ahead? Implications of Male Migration on Women's Political Participation in India

How does the temporary absence of men from the household due to migration affect female political engagement? While studies on gender and politics have established the centrality of the household, they have largely overlooked how temporary changes in household composition shape political engagement. Using original data from a survey experiment (n=642) in Bihar, India, I show that the absence of male members, particularly a woman's husband can lift implicit restrictions on female political engagement. Drawing on a primary survey (n=1900), and a nationally representative panel (n=24000), I argue that male migration, a significant global phenomenon resulting in routine absence of men, is leading to the \textit{feminization} of political engagement. Through an increase in exposure to the public sphere, women make meaningful claims on the state, participate in civic activities, and discuss politics. Unlike existing resource-based theories, I find that female political engagement can increase even in the absence of financial autonomy.