Internal migration in Argentina: Work follows capital, but the pattern shifts

Argentina's economic history presents a complex picture of internal migration, with patterns shifting between preceding and following capital investment. Early colonizations in provinces like Entre Ríos and Santa Fe, starting in the mid-19th century, occurred before the influx of foreign investment later that century. However, the current situation appears to be reversed, with significant investments in the Vaca Muerta region driving human migration as people seek improved incomes.

This dynamic echoes historical debates in economic theory, particularly regarding international trade and migration. The article references the work of Mabel Frances Timlin, a Canadian economist who studied migration extensively from the mid-1940s. In her 1951 work, "Does Canada Need More People?", Timlin argued that increased immigration would boost per capita income.

The discussion also delves into critiques of David Ricardo's theory of comparative advantage. While Ricardo's model assumed international immobility of labor and capital, American critics pointed out that in contexts with abundant land and scarce labor, like the United States, the model's assumptions did not hold. This critique, the article suggests, could also have been heard in other "open spaces" like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina, emphasizing the need to understand the specific assumptions behind economic models rather than applying them universally.

Ultimately, the question of whether capital or migration comes first in Argentina is complex, likely resulting from a combination of factors. The article briefly notes a significant productive shift in Argentina during the 1930s, moving from agriculture to livestock, hinting at further layers of economic transformation that influence migration patterns.