Migration, Poverty, and Development: A New Monograph by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Chinh

Migration has been a constant throughout Vietnamese history. Over the past half-century, Vietnam has undergone numerous economic and social changes. The transition from a centrally planned economy to a socialist-oriented market economy has also brought about changes in migration patterns and forms. State-organized migration aimed at regulating population density to serve regional economic development has gradually been replaced by spontaneous migration or migration linked to regional development projects. Along with rapidly increasing urbanization, the trend of migration from rural to urban areas is also growing strongly.

Numerous studies have been conducted on population trends in Vietnam from the latter half of the 20th century to the present. However, most existing studies approach migration from a macro perspective, using quantitative information derived from large-scale national surveys, such as population censuses, living standards surveys, labor surveys, and mid-term censuses. These studies primarily examine migration as demographic flows, analyzing data on origin, destination, age, gender, employment, income, and the impact of these migration flows, thereby proposing labor and employment policies for the state and localities. There are not many studies that approach migration from the perspective of those directly involved, listening to their life stories and providing readers with an in-depth look at the lives, work, and motivations of different forms of migration. Therefore, this monograph, "Migration, Poverty, and DevelopmentThe book "Migration Studies" by Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Chinh, published in 2021 by the Social Sciences Publishing House at the request of the State, can be considered a significant contribution to the field of migration studies and fills the gaps in previous research. This research is based on ethnographic fieldwork and qualitative analysis, aiming to provide new insights into migration and its relationship to poverty and development through the perspective of migrants themselves. As the author points out, the book does not aim for a comprehensive analysis of the history of migration in Vietnam, but rather focuses on specific aspects to delve into the issues arising from each form of migration.

This 426-page book focuses on studying three major migration trends in Vietnam from the 1960s to the present. These are: (1) the migration trend to build new economic zones under the planned economy period (1960-1990); (2) the migration trend from rural to urban areas from after the 1990 reforms until the early decades of the 21st century; and (3) the migration trend of ethnic minority groups from mountainous areas to urban areas and cross-border labor migration in the northern region. The research results are presented in 7 major chapters:

Each chapter of the book reflects the results of meticulous field research with rich source materials collected and processed in a scientific and systematic manner. Readers can learn a great deal from this monograph, including the application and development of migration research theories to the study of specific types of migration in Vietnam. Regarding the migration trend for economic development,regional economic development theoryThe role of the state in population regulation in Soviet economics has been applied to explain the policies, migration patterns, activities, and life organization of migrants. In particular, analyses based on dry statistical data have been supplemented by the life stories of the migrants themselves, a historical approach to migration from memory, contributing to the revival of a romantic revolutionary period in which workers from densely populated areas were mobilized to desolate regions to establish businesses and develop new economic zones for the country. For the free migration trend from rural and mountainous areas to urban areas, the author uses Lee's (1966) migration theory for analysis.attraction and repulsion elementsas the main drivers of this migration trend. However, the author also emphasizes that in addition to considering the pull and push factors, the migration process is also influenced by resistance factors.obstaclesThis includes migration distance, traffic conditions, and legal regulations that a study on migration should not overlook. Notably, when analyzing the lives and work of migrants in urban spaces, the author pointed out...Migrant survival strategiesThis strategy is "maximizing income and minimizing costs." This strategy is the primary factor influencing the lifestyles, work patterns, and spending habits of migrant workers. When studying the migration trends of ethnic minority groups from mountainous regions to industrial zones, cities, or across borders in search of work, the author highlighted the importance of this strategy.Social capital theory and social networks of migrantsSocial networks are considered to have a significant impact on the success or failure of migrations. The author argues that a social network is a complex of relationships between individuals, between individuals and communities or social organizations, in which each individual acts as a link, connected by various relationships such as friendships, economic exchanges, and shared influences and interests. In the case of Vietnam, family, kinship, kinship, friendships, neighbors, and fellow countrymen are often seen as open connections for relationships within social networks. Social networks can help migrants reduce employment agency costs, avoid risks, and create necessary conditions and opportunities in the lives of new migrants. The author also notes that, in addition to social networks, migrants may also have other connections outside of these networks, such as their relationships with other social institutions and organizations, governmental or non-governmental organizations, etc.

For ethnographers and anthropologists, studying migration is significant not only for exploring demographic movements but also for understanding changes in lifestyles, languages, and cultural assimilation. If we view migration as a change in living space, a process of moving from one locality, region, or ecosystem to another within a certain period, then it is during this process that people of one culture have the opportunity to interact with and learn from other cultures, thereby adopting and assimilating new elements into their own culture, while simultaneously influencing the lifestyles, languages, and cultures of the people they interact with and coexist with. This is of particular importance to ethnographers and anthropologists, as it helps them discover the cultural identity of communities or ethnic groups through the history of migration, language contact, and human interaction. Studying migration can help to understand many previously unknown and unexplained aspects of the culture and language of an ethnic group or community.

With its strength in exploiting and applying theory to the study of specific types of migration, this monograph can be a valuable academic reference for researchers, graduate students, and undergraduates in anthropology, sociology, history, and economics seeking direction for their research on migration. Furthermore, labor and social policymakers may find important implications for practical solutions here. Migration, in whatever form, can be considered a survival strategy for workers to change living conditions, improve household income, and is an indicator of societal change; therefore, it should be viewed as a positive development. Moreover, migration is an inseparable part of development. Besides its positive impacts, migration also creates negative impacts on natural and socio-ecological ecosystems, particularly the competition between migrants and locals for the exploitation of natural resources, social services, and housing, thus easily leading to conflicts between migrants and residents. Intervention solutions should focus on harmonizing interests rather than imposing restrictions, while also considering social welfare solutions for migrants, including healthcare, education, housing, and social banking services.