Chinese Traders in a Philippine Town

Based on three decades of anthropological field research, Chinese Traders in a Philippine Town addresses two aspects of a provincial town in the Philippines. First, it examines the town's Chinese trade community as composed of individuals and families who follow commercial ends with varying degrees as success by means of a wide range of competitive tactics. Second, it describes changes the town has experienced during recent decades and how these have been to a large degree to the result of long-term, commercial strategies followed by substantial Chinese entrepreneurs.

In the first part of the study, the experience of a textile merchant, his family, and acquaintances during the past forty years serves as a linchpin around which dimensions in the daily life of the town's Chinese community are illustrated. Among the factors discussed that are significant to the community are competitive sales tactics, participation in ventures and deals, the growing importance of real estate, and the role of kin and marriage in commerce.

In the second part, the focus of this study shifts to a more diachronic approach in an effort to understand changes in the town's built environment, especially as reflected in retail facilities ranging from traditional market places and street stores, to modern malls and fast-food outlets. Here the careers of a few, local Chinese entrepreneurs are traced: Of special interest is the manner in which their competitive relations, while trying to dominate the local economic/political scene, has impacted on the town's development. The backdrop of this narrative and analysis includes a major earthquake, increasing participation of Chinese in the political process, and the growing pressure emanating from large, Manila-based Chinese trade enterprises.

Readers interested in Third World urban development and in middleman minorities will find this study of considerable interest.