Brain Drain in Africa

Term Paper # 104990

Economics > Labor
Labor Studies

This paper looks at the "brain drain" phenomenon in Africa.

705 words () | 3 sources | APA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses how the "brain drain" is accelerating in the era of globalization, due to the United States' immigration policy and the better opportunities professionals find abroad. The paper relates that this results in much of Africa having a dearth of doctors, scientists, technicians, corporate executives, university graduates and other people needed for a country's economic and social development.

From the Paper:

"The United States is a magnet for people all over the world, as can be seen by the problem of illegal immigration. One of the tenets of those supporting legal immigration is that used in the right way. Immigration can assure that the best and the brightest are selected and that the U.S. can in this way enhance its supply of technically trained workers. One problem with this approach is that it causes a "brain drain" in other parts of the world as those best able to help in their own country are siphoned off to the United States. This issue can become a concern in the country of origin, and it has been noted that Africa is suffering because of the policy; the region's best educated are emigrating to the United States at too high a rate."

Sample of Sources Used:

Baker, J. & Aida, T.A. (1995). The migration experience in Africa. Nordic African Institute. Uppsala, Nordic African Institute.
Bradley, M.T. (2005). Civil society, emigration and democracy in Africa: An alternative proposition. The Western Journal of Black Studies, Volume 29, Issue 2. Retrieved July 30, 2007 from http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5019334330.
Crush, J. (2002). The global raiders: Nationalism, globalization and the South African brain drain. Journal of International Affairs, Volume 56, Issue 1. Retrieved July 30, 2007 from http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5000660010.