There are all sorts of reasons for migration, not simply the lure of the cities not simply to get away from oppressive rural conditions. Capitalist agriculture is perhaps the most important factor for migration in a typical developing country. Population pressure, access to education, rising incomes, industrialization are also contributory factors. Different parts of the world exhibit different rates of migration and the pull and push factors vary as well. South Asia remains rural mostly compared to Lat Am. Migrants in S Asia are mainly males compared to Lat Am or parts of Africa. Caste oppression could be evaded by migration from a village but it is no guarantee that the urban environment is any better. The structure of domination for migrants is often reproduced in the cities. However, social mobility is relatively greater with greater "freedom" from the rural oppression exercised by landlord class and their political clients in the state apparatus. Peasant societies still exist in the twenty-first century, different in form because of capitalist agriculture, but many are outside the orbit of capitalism. For references: SEE: Gugler and Gilbert; Jeremy Seabrook. Anthony P. D'Costa Associate Professor Comparative International Development University of Washington 1900 Commerce Street Tacoma, WA 98402, USA Phone: (253) 692-4462 Fax : (253) 692-5612
