Tue Jul 25 14:01:27 EDT 2000
ABSTRACTS IN ECONOMIC HISTORY
(c) 2000 EH.Net
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Name: Scott A. Carson
Email: Carson_S at UTPB.edu
Institution: University of Texas, Permian Basin
Co-author:
Title: Chinese Sojourn Labor and the Transcontinental Railroad: a Market
Explanation for Immigration Volatility
Internet Address of abstracted work: not available
By mail:
Scott A. Carson
University of Texas, Permian Basin
School of Business, 4901 East University
Odessa, TX 79762-0001
Language: English
Abstract:
The mass migration that began in the mid-19th century and lasted through
the early 20th century radically changed the composition of American labor
markets. While most immigrates sought permanent residence in the United
States, many Chinese sojourn workers intended to work in America for a
short period before returning to China. During this period, Chinese workers
primarily worked in mining, agriculture, railroads and manufacturing. This
paper presents a market model to consider how labor demand and supply for
Chinese workers on the transcontinental railroad may have interacted to
influence Chinese net migration flows from 1848-1879. Evidence is presented
that suggests demand for Chinese workers was influenced by Myrdal's
demand-side learning. The supply of Chinese workers was facilitated by
institutions, such as Chinese Six Companies, that facilitated immigration
of Chinese labor. The influences of external factors, such as the discovery
of gold in California, construction of America's transcontinental railroad
and racial prejudice, are then considered.
Bibliography: Carson, Scott. "Chinese Sojourn Labor and the
Transcontinental Railroad: a Market Explanation for Immigration
Volatility." Working Paper. October, 1999.
Subject: T
Geographical Area: 7
Country/Region: U.S.A.
Time Period: 7
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