Content area
Abstract
Migration occurs for many reasons. Most of the research focusing on this topic has been separated into micro and macro level theories analysing each of the factors involved in the supply and demand of migration. Yet, rarely have theories adequately explained both sides of the migration equation. This thesis is theoretically based in the world systems approach to migration which views it as a result of capital integration at the global level and the expansion of a split labour in advanced countries into the primary and secondary sectors. The secondary sector, characterised by low status, poorly paid and insecure jobs experiences shortages in labour and as a result relies on imported labour. In Canada, the agricultural industry represents the secondary sector which is unable to recruit a reliable domestic labour force. Therefore growers recruit from abroad to fill their needs. Mexican migrants analysed in this thesis possess four characteristics as a result of their migrating to Canada through a regulated program. It is argued in this thesis that their unique characteristics make these Mexican migrants ideally suited for the needs of the Canadian agricultural industry. Due to the fact that they migrate mainly for economic reasons, are extremely poor, are interested in returning to Canada annually and have no social ties in Canada they are willing to work as many hours as possible. In addition to being considered reliable, the Mexican migrants can be controlled easier than domestic labourers by their employers. They accept poor working conditions and low wages without resistance.
