Internal Migration in Oaxaca: Its Role and Value to Rural Movers

Abstract

The contemporary study of Mexican migration typically highlights international, cross-border, U.S.-bound movement. The rapid increase in migration to the United States in the 1980s and 1990s and its continued importance to movers and nonmovers as well as sending and destination communities is not in doubt, yet, the role of internal mobility—movement that takes migrants from their hometowns and communities to destinations within their country of origin—is not well documented. Internal migration in Mexico has a long history, follows unique pathways and motivations, and continues to be important in the present. Building on research in the southern state of Oaxaca we explore this overlooked topic and focus on three themes: (1) the history of internal migration for Oaxacan movers; (2) decision making for movers and nonmovers; and (3) the role that contemporary internal migration continues to play in Mexico.