A Theory of Forced Labour Migration
The Proletarianisation of the West Bank Under Occupation (1967-1992)
- 230 pages
- 9 hours of reading
This book examines the labour dislocation and migration of Palestinians from 1967 to 1992, focusing on social transformations in the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly after 1968 when Palestinian labour was allowed to work in Israel. It details the policy's impact, which led to a significant rise in Palestinian workers commuting daily, from a minimal percentage to 35% of the employed population and 60% of wage earners. This scenario mirrors permanent migration situations, both de-jure and de-facto, as it involves higher risks and resource reallocation akin to permanent relocation. The book presents tables and econometric analyses to explore the determinants and implications of migrant labour from the West Bank through two main methodologies: neoclassical and historical-structural. Each methodology is further divided into two branches: the neoclassical into price-determined and choice-theoretic frameworks, and the historical-structural into dependency and Marxist theories. By integrating these four perspectives, the book constructs a comprehensive understanding of the situation, contributing new insights to wage labour and migration theory. The structure is organized along various lines of migration literature, with chapters covering historical context, dual economy models, empirical testing of labour oscillation, and structural approaches to dependency.