Volume 8

Issue No. 3

Saith, Ashwani
"Migration Processes and Policies: Some Asian Perspectives," Vol. 8 (3), p. 285-311, 1999.

This article argues that perspectives of migration as a matter of individual choice or structural coercion are limited in explaining Asian experiences in internal and international migration. Migration experiences in Asia range from early coerced and state-mediated migrations to migrations that are mostly demand-determined. A few exceptional cases, such as that of Malaysia, Indonesia’s transmigration programs, and enforced migration on account of infrastructural projects, are noted. Also highlighted is migration in China before and after 1978. The Chinese path is distinct in that before market reforms, there was little rural to urban migration despite a high rate of industrialization. After 1978, rural to urban migration and urbanization increased, but was still lower compared to the rest of Asia. Whether China will go the same way as other Asian countries and how the state will respond to the challenges of increasing migration remain to be seen.

Fang, Cai
"Spatial Patterns of Migration Under China’s Reform Period," Vol. 8 (3), p. 313-327, 1999.

With the hukou (household registration) system in place since the 1950s, migration in China was limited to officially approved registration changes. Economic changes resulting from the introduction of economic reforms in the late 1970s and changes in the household registration system gave rise to the mobility of rural labor. Initially confined to rural areas, rural labor later expanded to urban migration in response to regional disparities in employment and income. This article presents and analyzes data showing the relationship between spatial patterns of migration and regional disparities.

Leila, Fernandez-Stembridge
"Labor Allocation of Chinese Rural Migrant Workers in Urban Areas: Job Election or Job Enforcement?," Vol. 8 (3), p. 329-341, 1999.

China has experienced significant rural-to-urban migration since the launching of economic and social reforms in the early 1980s. This paper discusses the factors that led to the emergence of the "floating population," describes the characteristics of the employment market of rural migrant workers, and proposes some alternatives for a more efficient labor distribution. Rural migrant workers remain as "outsiders" in urban areas, despite their contributions to economic dynamism in the destination areas. The paper concludes that labor allocation seems to be a combination of choice and enforcement factors: migrant workers exercise some choice in their jobs, but their choices are limited to only a few job possibilities.

Biao, Xiang
"Xi, Relations Cluster, and the Formation of a Migrant Community in Contemporary China," Vol. 8. (3), p. 343-359, 1999.

The formation of "Zhejiang Village," a migrant community in Beijing, is the subject of this article. Based on years of fieldwork in the community, the author elaborates on the concept of xi or relations cluster, i.e., social networks revolving around a key person who organizes the different relations, as the constitutive unit of Zhejiang Village. The characteristics of xi, the relations that it forges among its members, the nature of migrant community that derives from it and its contributions to the conceptualization of social networks are discussed in the article.

Huang, Cen
"Management of Migrant Labor in Overseas Chinese Enterprises in South China," Vol. 8 (3), p. 361-379, 1999.

The migration of labor into overseas Chinese enterprises in South China has been a significant phenomenon in internal migration in China since the early 1980s. This phenomenon has not only changed the structure of traditional Chinese labor markets but has also reduced urban-rural differences in the country. This massive migration, participated mostly by young women of peasant background, has also contributed to the rise of a new migrant work-ing class in China. This article explores the management of migrant labor in overseas Chinese enterprises. Specific issues examined are characteristics of migrant workers and employer-managers, management practices and the impact of management and worker's education in the workplace.

Dang,Nguyen Anh
"Market Reforms and Internal Labor Migration in Vietnam ," Vol. 8 (3), p. 381-409, 1999.

This article considers the nature and patterns of labor migration in Vietnam since the introduction of market reforms or Doi Moi in 1986. Using data from the 1989 census, the article examines provincial or area characteristics and human capital resources in determining migration. Migration was found to play a role in providing human resources to labor-scarce areas and it has also become a means for people to improve their life chances. Among others, the findings indicate the selective impacts of market reforms on the migration propensities of men and women. Possible explanations for the findings and their policy implications of the results are discussed.