Return migration and the reiteration of gender norms in water management politics: Insights from a Chinese village

► Social remittances are mediated by politics of gender and kin-based leadership. ► Social remittances do not translate straightforwardly into collective action. ► Female returnees contribute to origin village through 'behind the scenes' strategies. ► Their contributions are also through deference to patriarchal and clan authority. ► Village politics pursues gender and kin-based lines of authority.