Global Dynamics: China’s Past and Modern Migration Challenges
19th Century China: Imperial Structure and Nationalist Movements
During the nineteenth century, China’s nationalist movement operated within a feudal, monarchical, and imperial structure, characterized by a strong centralized government and bureaucracy. The social base consisted of a vast population living in a near-slavery regime, dominated by a minority of noble landowners. After the Opium War, China lost to the United Kingdom, and the imperial court had already yielded strategic cities to Portugal, which facilitated foreign trade inwards. In its peripheral relations, China also lost the war with Japan, resulting in Korea and Formosa (Taiwan) being ceded.
Migration in Developed Societies: Demographic Shifts
Aging Populations and Low Fertility
Developed societies are experiencing significant demographic shifts, characterized by an aging population and low fertility rates, primarily due to increased life expectancy. The most prominent example is the aging European population, which also has fewer children. Countries like Japan and the oldest EU members are seeing this trend exacerbated rather than leveling off. Key reasons for this include:
- The destruction of the traditional family model.
- High quality of life in developed societies.
- A new type of economy and society that has shifted dependence from childhood to the elderly.
Due to a strong healthcare sector, traditional family support systems (“familia colchón”) lose importance in favor of the individual, altering classical age and human relations models. The main effects of an increasing elderly population are typically related to the costs of their retirement income. The common solution of promoting immigration has shown limited long-term rejuvenation effects and can lead to other social problems.
Future of Migration and Policy Responses
The future of non-Western migration and foreign populations requires a focused analysis of the entire phenomenon of immigration, which is one of the major challenges we must address. We cannot overlook the role and responsibilities of migrant-exporting countries, as they often do little to manage or facilitate legal immigration.
The European Union’s proposed measures include:
- Creating democratic and socially appropriate conditions.
- Implementing a liberal trade policy.
- Effectively using aid to promote economic boom and social development.
- Coordinating foreign policy activities to manage foreign aid, international trade, and investor decisions.
Female Migration: Characteristics and Challenges
In contemporary migration, female participation has gained prominence, as women often migrate when young. Their education levels are frequently lower than men’s, and their rights are more restricted, leading to less economic and social autonomy. Another significant factor is migration produced by war.
For the Spanish case, approximately 40% of migrants are women. Their typical profile includes:
- Family responsibilities.
- Traveling alone or in groups.
- Ages between 25 and 45.
- Average qualifications, with few cases of illiteracy.
- Location in areas less desired by the Spanish population.
The European Immigration Model and Multiculturalism
Historical Context and Economic Impact
Up until the 1970s, European Union countries were receiving immigrants from Africa, but this trend eventually ceased. Eight countries that previously collaborated on development have since closed their doors, mirroring how Eastern Europe closed its doors to African migrants. While everything originating from Western Europe and entering Africa is often seen as a role model, the reality on the ground is often one of great poverty.
A key principle is that if immigrants work in jobs that natives desire, they should be afforded equal rights. Experts predict that in the next 50 years, maintaining the current demographic composition of Europe will be impossible, making migration a significant challenge for European politicians.
Immigrants are engaged in various sectors, including:
- Domestic services
- Manufacturing
- Agriculture
- Finance and Insurance
- Construction
- Mining
- Business and Public Administration
European Concerns and Multicultural Perspectives
Common fears among Europeans regarding immigration include:
- Loss of jobs.
- Abuse of social security systems by non-citizens.
- Downward pressure on wages.
There are three main perspectives on multicultural society:
- Positive Integration: This view emphasizes the positive gains in social and cultural richness, advocating for a partnership model.
- Right-Wing Extremism: This perspective denies these benefits, fearing a loss of national values, and calls for border closures and expulsions.
- Intermediate Position: This view suggests that newcomers should adapt to the host country and its laws.