The class context of temporary immigration, racism and civic nationalism in Taiwan

Robert Tierney

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    13 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    This article adopts a Marxist framework for examining the class bases of racism against guest workers in Taiwan, focusing on the legislative and administrative mechanisms adopted by the state to racialise and recompose the labour market and to politically repress immigrants, largely for the benefit of capital accumulation. It examines the ways in which racism against immigrants has constituted an important element of Taiwan's civic nationalism; an ideology which depicts guest workers' resistance as a source of social instability in the nation-state. The article also considers the ways in which the state has adapted to immigrants' struggles, together with the immigrants' and local workers' efforts to unite in solidarity against wage exploitation and racism. The article brings together evidence supporting the contention that Marxist analysis is the most effective means of explaining both racism and anti-racism.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)289-314
    Number of pages26
    JournalJournal of Contemporary Asia
    Volume41
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2011

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'The class context of temporary immigration, racism and civic nationalism in Taiwan'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this