Paper short abstract:

This paper explores how foundational concepts of Marxist inquiry may be applied to the analysis of migration. It argues that by drawing on the key precepts of Marxism, can conundrums in efforts to rethink migration theory be addressed both within and beyond the discipline of anthropology.

Paper long abstract:

This paper explores the ways in which foundational concepts of Marxist inquiry may be applied to the analysis of migration. It argues that by drawing on the ideas of class differentiation, accumulation, exploitation and relative surplus population, can conundrums in efforts to rethink migration theory be addressed both within and beyond the discipline of anthropology. In making this argument, the paper begins with a consideration of the ways in which key concepts in Marxism may be applied to the study of migration, countering claims that unitary frameworks fail to illuminate its complexities. Then, by focusing on the example of Chinese trans- regional and transnational migration, the paper advances the notion of thinking through migration in terms of 'the migration question' as embedded in and conditioned by the formations of capitalism.