Racism and the Incorporation of Foreign Labour

Informed by a critical analysis of the political economy of migration, this book, originally published in 1991 and now reissued with a new Preface by the author, offers an innovative perspective for the understanding of migrations within the global capitalist system. The author argues that there are four possible modes of incorporation that foreign-born workers can be subject to: free immigrant labour; unfree immigrant labour; free migrant labour and unfree migrant labour. He demonstrates empirically that ideas about the perceived ‘racial’ capacities and incapacities of groups of people played a determinate role in the process of differential incorporation. He argues that a much clearer focus on the state in organizing and regulating migrant flows is necessary if the political economy tradition is to be successful in explaining post-war migrations.

The book will be of interest to those studying international migration and state racism. With an empirical focus on Canada, it will also be of interest to those studying race and ethnic relations and post-war immigration to Canada. Students of Caribbean immigration to North America will also find the book a rich source of ideas and information.