This dissertation illuminates the shifting socio-spatial dynamics of capitalism through a grounde... more This dissertation illuminates the shifting socio-spatial dynamics of capitalism through a grounded study of industrial fishing in Taiwan from the perspective of its migrant workforce. It is an ethnography of an exploitative guest worker program and the cheapening of labor and life through the degradation and dehumanization of Southeast Asian fishermen for the benefit of the wealthy few. It is also an observation of the creative self-activity of migrant workers and the forms of collective organization that have developed in the past decade to improve living and working conditions through mutual aid and solidarity. Finally, it is a meditation on the construction of Southeast Asian migrant workers as social “problems” and a critique of the political interests served by seeing migrant fishermen through the lens of victimhood. To understand the problems of the Taiwan fishing industry, we must understand not only how workers actively shape their working conditions and the broader communities within which they live, work, and dream, but also how and why they are constructed as objects of political activity.
DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), Aug 1, 2015
Absent from most public debates on Taiwan's embrace of neoliberal capitalism are the potentia... more Absent from most public debates on Taiwan's embrace of neoliberal capitalism are the potential consequences of economic liberalization for Taiwan's indigenous peoples. Deregulating markets and unfettering capital and resources are tied inextricably with cross-Strait politics. With a deep-seated apprehension of China still felt in many corners of the Taiwanese society, these issues are often framed with particular emphasis on the "China Factor", overshadowing other relevant economic and societal considerations and thereby narrowing the scope of debate over government policies. Nevertheless, the potential influx of foreign capital investment, long- and short-term migrant labor and international visitors may have profound effects on Taiwan's most vulnerable citizens, including the indigenous peoples. This paper will report the results of field research conducted among the Paiwan ethnic group, assessing actual and potential future changes affecting their individual families and communities. Preliminary assessment indicates that official policies liberalizing visitation and trade between China and Taiwan have already affected the Paiwan communities. Whether these changes become handicaps or opportunities depends on realistic evaluation, strategic planning, education, implementation, and periodic re-evaluation. This paper will contribute to the larger discussion of possible responses to the effects of inter-regional migration and transformations on minority societies by providing an assessment of current and potential conditions among the Paiwan of Taiwan.
Contemporary Chinese Political Economy and Strategic Relations: An International Journal, 2015
Absent from most public debates on Taiwan's embrace of neoliberal capitalism are the potentia... more Absent from most public debates on Taiwan's embrace of neoliberal capitalism are the potential consequences of economic liberalization for Taiwan's indigenous peoples. Deregulating markets and unfettering capital and resources are tied inextricably with cross-Strait politics. With a deep-seated apprehension of China still felt in many corners of the Taiwanese society, these issues are often framed with particular emphasis on the "China Factor", overshadowing other relevant economic and societal considerations and thereby narrowing the scope of debate over government policies. Nevertheless, the potential influx of foreign capital investment, long- and short-term migrant labor and international visitors may have profound effects on Taiwan's most vulnerable citizens, including the indigenous peoples. This paper will report the results of field research conducted among the Paiwan ethnic group, assessing actual and potential future changes affecting their individual...
Soon after reclaiming the presidency in 2008 in the second democratic turnover of power in Taiwan... more Soon after reclaiming the presidency in 2008 in the second democratic turnover of power in Taiwan, the historically anti-labor Kuomintang (KMT) enacted sweeping pro-labor reforms to the legal framework governing employment relations on the island. The revisions entered into law not only at a time when v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am eternally grateful to my advisor, Eli Friedman, for his guidance, mentorship, and encouragement. He has provided patient and measured feedback on ideas and projects no matter how harebrained. I am also thankful for Maria Cook's incisive questions and meaningful encouragement throughout the revision process. Faculty members in I&C and LR have been incredibly supportive and outstanding models of intellectual community. I would also like to thank my fellow graduate students in the department, particularly Phoebe, Kathryn, Mike, Lily, Paulo, Nick, Alin, Tiffany, and Becky, who have all been generous with comments and quick with moral support. Finally, I would especially like to thank my friends & comrades, whose boundless faith in people and unwavering insistence on the righteousness of struggle will forever brighten the path. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS Biographical Sketch.
This dissertation illuminates the shifting socio-spatial dynamics of capitalism through a grounde... more This dissertation illuminates the shifting socio-spatial dynamics of capitalism through a grounded study of industrial fishing in Taiwan from the perspective of its migrant workforce. It is an ethnography of an exploitative guest worker program and the cheapening of labor and life through the degradation and dehumanization of Southeast Asian fishermen for the benefit of the wealthy few. It is also an observation of the creative self-activity of migrant workers and the forms of collective organization that have developed in the past decade to improve living and working conditions through mutual aid and solidarity. Finally, it is a meditation on the construction of Southeast Asian migrant workers as social “problems” and a critique of the political interests served by seeing migrant fishermen through the lens of victimhood. To understand the problems of the Taiwan fishing industry, we must understand not only how workers actively shape their working conditions and the broader communities within which they live, work, and dream, but also how and why they are constructed as objects of political activity.
DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), Aug 1, 2015
Absent from most public debates on Taiwan's embrace of neoliberal capitalism are the potentia... more Absent from most public debates on Taiwan's embrace of neoliberal capitalism are the potential consequences of economic liberalization for Taiwan's indigenous peoples. Deregulating markets and unfettering capital and resources are tied inextricably with cross-Strait politics. With a deep-seated apprehension of China still felt in many corners of the Taiwanese society, these issues are often framed with particular emphasis on the "China Factor", overshadowing other relevant economic and societal considerations and thereby narrowing the scope of debate over government policies. Nevertheless, the potential influx of foreign capital investment, long- and short-term migrant labor and international visitors may have profound effects on Taiwan's most vulnerable citizens, including the indigenous peoples. This paper will report the results of field research conducted among the Paiwan ethnic group, assessing actual and potential future changes affecting their individual families and communities. Preliminary assessment indicates that official policies liberalizing visitation and trade between China and Taiwan have already affected the Paiwan communities. Whether these changes become handicaps or opportunities depends on realistic evaluation, strategic planning, education, implementation, and periodic re-evaluation. This paper will contribute to the larger discussion of possible responses to the effects of inter-regional migration and transformations on minority societies by providing an assessment of current and potential conditions among the Paiwan of Taiwan.
Contemporary Chinese Political Economy and Strategic Relations: An International Journal, 2015
Absent from most public debates on Taiwan's embrace of neoliberal capitalism are the potentia... more Absent from most public debates on Taiwan's embrace of neoliberal capitalism are the potential consequences of economic liberalization for Taiwan's indigenous peoples. Deregulating markets and unfettering capital and resources are tied inextricably with cross-Strait politics. With a deep-seated apprehension of China still felt in many corners of the Taiwanese society, these issues are often framed with particular emphasis on the "China Factor", overshadowing other relevant economic and societal considerations and thereby narrowing the scope of debate over government policies. Nevertheless, the potential influx of foreign capital investment, long- and short-term migrant labor and international visitors may have profound effects on Taiwan's most vulnerable citizens, including the indigenous peoples. This paper will report the results of field research conducted among the Paiwan ethnic group, assessing actual and potential future changes affecting their individual...
Soon after reclaiming the presidency in 2008 in the second democratic turnover of power in Taiwan... more Soon after reclaiming the presidency in 2008 in the second democratic turnover of power in Taiwan, the historically anti-labor Kuomintang (KMT) enacted sweeping pro-labor reforms to the legal framework governing employment relations on the island. The revisions entered into law not only at a time when v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am eternally grateful to my advisor, Eli Friedman, for his guidance, mentorship, and encouragement. He has provided patient and measured feedback on ideas and projects no matter how harebrained. I am also thankful for Maria Cook's incisive questions and meaningful encouragement throughout the revision process. Faculty members in I&C and LR have been incredibly supportive and outstanding models of intellectual community. I would also like to thank my fellow graduate students in the department, particularly Phoebe, Kathryn, Mike, Lily, Paulo, Nick, Alin, Tiffany, and Becky, who have all been generous with comments and quick with moral support. Finally, I would especially like to thank my friends & comrades, whose boundless faith in people and unwavering insistence on the righteousness of struggle will forever brighten the path. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS Biographical Sketch.
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