Dynamics of Migration and Development: Taiwan, 1600-2010

This paper aims to demonstrate the dynamics and causal relationship of migration and development and to assess the empirical validity of existing migration theoretical frameworks, using Taiwan as an example. The paper uses the method of historical structural analysis to integrate existing findings and findings compiled by the author from various data sources and time periods. In the light of particular political situation of Taiwan in the world, the paper stresses the role of endogenous changes and exogenous impacts, with a stress on the importance of contending political economy between Taiwan and other countries, particularly China, Japan, and the United States. According to major external and internal socioeconomic and political changes, the paper addresses migration of Taiwan with respect to crucial historical periods. The overall conclusion is that migration in Taiwan, both internal and international, has been highly responsive to the changing endogenous and exogenous circumstances. The existing well-known schools of migration theory, including neoclassical, new economics, dual labor market, world systems, network, institutional, cumulative causation, and migration system, could explain Taiwan migration very well in longer temporal period, but may not suitable for some specific periods.