The comforts of home: a historical study of family well-being among Chinese migrants in South Africa

Abstract

ABSTRACT Since the turn of the millennium, the rapid development of China-Africa relations has facilitated large-scale migration between African countries and China. By reviewing the complex history of Chinese migration in South Africa – the most popular destination for Chinese migrating to the continent, this article highlights the changing and evolving forms of family among Chinese migrants in Africa. This article utilizes data from historical documents, personal memoirs, first-hand fieldwork, as well as secondary research. It argues that the changing forms of Chinese migrant families in South Africa have been shaped at different points in time by the capitalist economy, apartheid policies, and the internal dynamics of the Chinese diasporic communities. The new forms of familial arrangements have been critical in fight for social inclusion and security among Chinese migrants in South Africa.