Migrant labour, social formations and the proletarianization of the Chopi of Southern Mozambique

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Periodical article

Title:	Migrant labour, social formations and the proletarianization of the Chopi of Southern Mozambique
Author:	Webster, David
Year:	1978
Periodical:	African Perspectives
Issue:	1
Pages:	157-174
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Mozambique
Subjects:	Chopi labour migration
Abstract:	This paper attempts, from anthropological perspective, to account for the manifest underdevelopment of southern Mozambique, and the Chopiland area in particular, which is closely linked to the high numbers of labour migrants who have, over the last century, sought work in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Because an understanding of the extent and consequences of labour migration is embedded in the history and political economy of the region, the author traces some of the major themes and historical processes. The system of migrancy to the South African gold mines in one of the most important factors which gives rise to the underdevelopment of Mozambique today. Sections: Introduction - Ecology and social formations - The early social formation - The Gaza State - Portuguese colonialism and capital in the social formation - The pre-capitalist sector - Conclusion 1974: the consequences of migrancy. Table; diagram; ref.