Rudy Acuna - Factors Leading to the Push-Pull Concept - Case Study Example

The major Mexican migration into America occurred between 1890 and 1914. 100,000 Mexicans lived in the United States by 1900. This was attributed to U.S. business policies encouraging the immigration of millions to the country. The rise of capitalism in Mexico also created a push for Mexicans to shift to the U.S. However, their population shot to 1.5 million by 1930. The major push concept during this period was the start of the Mexican Revolution in 1910. On the other hand, America offered better wages to its labor force. Hence this became the pull for most Mexicans since most wanted better paying jobs in America. The war in Mexico created terrible living conditions therefore; Mexicans resulted to Migration to America. The push and pull concept during this time and in this situation is evident.

In his book, Occupied America, Rudy explains a push and pull concept during the rule of Diaz in Mexico. He explains the dominance of foreign powers in the Mexican economy. The dominance of America in mining and agriculture pulled all the natural resources and raw materials from Mexico. This pushed Mexican citizens to an economic strain and poverty. This is major because they were unable to compete with the foreign monopolies supported by their government. The Mexican population also increased greatly flooding the labor market. Foreigners pulled all the capital and resources from Mexico plunging the country into economic chaos.

The other push and pull concept evident in Rudy’s text is that of trying to push Mexicans back to their own country. The Mexican-American border is one of the longest in the world. Hence a lot of trade took place there before the recession. Mexicans remained welcome to America to provide cheap labor. However, between 1910 and the great depression most industries lobbied for the prevention of Mexicans to America. The push in this situation was the beginning of economic struggle and inadequate employment. Americans felt that Mexicans squeezed the little that was remaining from them. Hence President Coolidge signed a law limiting Mexicans into America, during which he mentioned that ‘America must be kept American’.

The promise of a better life in the United States in terms of education is another push and pull factor for Mexicans to America. Yet the amount of discrimination against Mexicans in the education sector is evident. In his book, Anything but Mexican, Rudy points out some of these issues. He indicates that in 1992, Latino high school seniors had higher reading levels. The rate of Latino dropouts also doubled that of white Americans. Although the American system pulled Latinos, it also pushed them into poverty and a low quality of life. In the same book, Rudy explains how discrimination in workplaces also pushed Latinos to poverty as even Latinos with white-collar jobs, earned less than their white American colleagues.

Conclusion
Rudy discusses the push-pull concept at length in various texts during his life. Although his specialty lies in history, there is a touch of sociology in his work especially as he debates the push-pull concept. Read More