Tuesday, August 28, 2012

African Attitudes Toward Chinese Migrants

Chinese migration expert Yoon Jung Park was interviewed by Radio Australia on her fieldwork surveying attitudes toward Chinese immigrants in southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe). She also draws on colleagues' research in Zambia and Botswana. Park finds that while media coverage highlights problems and tensions, the actual attitudes of Africans varies across countries. In South Africa, consumers appreciate the greater range of goods available from Chinese traders. Her research in Zimbabwe also reflected this, and consumers emphasized that during the time of hyperinflation, Chinese shops were able to source affordable goods when others couldn't.

To read more, click here.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Greetings Professor:

Africans should welcome cheap Chinese products in Africa as they offer affordable options to the average citizen. However I am troubled by the disparities in trade balance between China and Africa.

My personal experience in Nigeria this past month highlights tense relations between Chinese traders in Nigeria but cordial business partnerships with their international counterparts. The Chinese level of advancement marvels African traders but this staunch competition should be viewed as an opportunity to hone their business etiquettes

Anonymous said...

I do not understand, I simply do not understand

How can a "Chinese migration expert" has a Korean name?

How would you feel if a Mexican be known as a "Kenyan Migration Expert"?

It's not a race issue per se, but then, if someone wants to be an expert on migration of a certain race, that person should have been of the same racial background, to afford a more clear insight on the issue

Anonymous said...

I am totally disagree with your opinion.
Do you think only Chinese can do research on Chinese issues?
Why a Mexican can't be the expert on Kenyan migration issues?

I do not understand,"in someone want to be an expert on migration of certain race, that person should have been of the same racial background.."
totally, accept this point of view.