Introduction: Understanding Mexican Migration

Abstract

This chapter describes when, where, why, and how Mexicans came to be living in the United States and how the pattern of Mexican migration has changed, especially since the 1980s. It then discusses various broad theories of migration and return migration and how globalization, the increased flow of capital, commodities, ideas, and images within and between nations have contributed to an increased flow of people. It also emphasizes the importance of supplementing a broad theoretical view with an “emic” or inside view. A major strength of an anthropological approach is the deep immersion of the anthropologist in the communities he or she studies. This allows us to listen to what people say and view their lives and communities in terms of their categories and understandings.