Trajectories and Experiences of Migration between Paraguay and Argentina: Paraguayan Workers in Forestry Production (Delta of Paraná River)

Abstract

In this article we analyze the trajectories and experiences of migration amongst young male Paraguayan workers. These workers are employed in forestry production in the Lower Delta of Paraná River, performing seasonal tasks that are considered hard and slaughtered. This is an example of the ways labor migrations favor the processes of capital accumulation in agriculture in contexts where precarization of rural labor is exacerbated. We contrasted the socio-demographic characteristics of this group of Paraguayan workers with the characteristics of the vast majority of Paraguayans who, in Argentina, migrate to urban areas. We argue that the expansion of afforestation in Delta was favored by the participation of these young male Paraguayan workers in a segmented labor market aimed at recent migrants. We highlight the stereotypes that legitimize their assignment to the worst positions of this labor market. Finally, we analyze their trajectories and experiences of migration and labor.

Keywords

• trayectorias migratorias
• experiencias
• migraciones laborales
• trabajadores paraguayos
• producción forestal