Abstract This paper discusses the problems with Mexico's economy and the implications of these problems. The paper then focuses on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the implementation of certain global programs by NAFTA that the organization hoped would change the economic situation. It looks at the challenges faced by the programs and by NAFTA in general and how the organization can move forward in the best interests of the Mexicaneconomy.
From the Paper "Proponents of NAFTA claimed that the agreement would benefit Mexico and lead to a major improvement in the Mexican economy, but this has not happened sufficiently to reduce the flow of workers northward. By any measure, the problem is so ingrained and so acute that it cannot be solved by any one action and cannot be solved rapidly. What is needed is a long-term investment plan to help improve the Mexican economy, but this may not take place so long as American businesses are relying so heavily on low wags in Mexico as a way of cutting costs in the U.S. companies relocating to Mexico have to offer more benefits to Mexican workers to improve the standard of living and keep workers at home. The only way to achieve this would be for the Mexican government to impose certain requirements, and this is not likely to happen because doing so would drive some American companies away and make the employment picture even worse. What is really needed is a major overhaul of the Mexican economy, and that is a long-term project that may have already been started with the change in leadership from the PRI alone to a more competitive political environment, though the evidence for major change is not yet that firm."
Abstract This paper examines the downside of immigration in the U.S and focuses on three specific areas: The impact of immigration on the labor market, the use of welfare and the payment of taxes. The writer asserts that while immigration may benefit the country as a whole, the burdens of these new population flows fall unequally on particular communities. This paper also discusses the high Mexican immigration rate in California and the resulting effects on its economy. This paper contains researched facts and statistics as well as relevant expert opinions to back up the writer's claim that immigration impacts negatively on the U.S. economy.
From the Paper "Education is the key to mobility in the United States and those communities, which cannot provide adequate education will be unable to move their members out of poverty, no matter what cultural solidarities they are able to maintain. Clark suggests that the result of this social immobility could lead to what he calls a "tearing of the social fabric" in multicultural communities. Although the tensions of cultural difference make these communities culturally rich, Clark argues that too much tension could result in balkanization, interethnic violence, and increasing economic stagnation."
Abstract This paper examines how, in 1994, the U.S., Mexico, and Canada signed a treaty that would foster the abuse and neglect of people, the environment, and culture of the North Americans and how it called for all barriers on goods and services between the countries of North America to be phased out by 2009. It shows how, on one hand, this meant a business could move to Mexico, where people who had been out of work for years would work in squalid conditions for next to nothing, and how it also meant laying off hundreds of thousands of hard-working American workers. The paper attempts to demonstrate that NAFTA is detrimental to both U.S. and Mexicaneconomies because it enables the exportation of U.S. jobs and mistreatment of Mexican workers.
Outline
Background
Chronology
NAFTA's Downside
The Positive Side to NAFTA
Personal View
Solutions
Conclusion
From the Paper "NAFTA has shown no increase to the Mexican economy though much pollution has been linked to it. There are currently 1,900 malquidoras in Mexico. Studies conducted along the border have shown that large amounts of the pollution can be attributed to raw sewage and wood smoke produced by these factories. Of these 1,900 malquidoras 1,000 produce hazardous waste. Only 30% of these comply with Mexican environmental codes and merely 19% dispose of their toxic waste properly (Donahue). Much of this is inhibited by the Mexican government's lack of enforcement on the low regulations they have (Lowenstein)."
This paper examines some of the major NAFTA provisions and concentrates on specific U.S.-Mexico NAFTA obligations and the current debate about whether or not to allow Mexican trucks and drivers onto U.S. highways.
5,930 words (approx. 23.7 pages), 23 sources, 2001, $ 141.95
Abstract This paper examines the effects that The North American Free Trade Agreement has had on both the American and Mexicaneconomies as a result of its inception. The author also examines how the U.S. has not abided by all provisions of the NAFTA and the resulting conflict. In doing so, the author addresses the following question: Is allowing Mexican trucks to operate on U.S. highways a safety risk, or an obligation under NAFTA?"
From the Paper "The North American Free Trade Agreement (hereafter referred to as NAFTA) was created to eliminate tariffs and many non-tariff barriers between its three members: the United States, Mexico and Canada. Many tariffs ended when NAFTA took effect on Jan. 1, 1994; others will be phased out over 15 years. Among NAFTA's principal objectives, the conflict lies in one of the most important objectives of all: to promote conditions of fair competition in the free trade area. The elimination of trade barriers and the unrestricted facilitation of cross-border movement of goods between the territories of the parties is a necessity if this objective is to be achieved. However, trade with Mexico since the inception of NAFTA has seemingly been one-sided."
Abstract This paper examines how the North American Free Trade Agreement was put together in 1993 and provides agreed upon resolutions for its members when it comes to free trade boundaries and rules. It shows how NAFTA had a positive impact on Mexico's free trade industry because it strengthened an already strong relationship between the United States and Mexico. It looks at how NAFTA has allowed Mexico to increase in stature among world nations and how it has assisted in strengthening local Mexicaneconomies, as well by providing more jobs as increased product and service continues. It also examines how it has boosted Mexico's trade business with Canada as well.
From the Paper "Because Mexico and the United States have the largest mutual trade relationship in the world the economic success of those in NAFTA becomes very important. Research and history points to a continued strengthening of the relationship shared because of NAFTA not only between Mexico and the US but Mexico and Canada as well. It is obviously helpful for the US and Mexico to trade through NAFTA because of their close boundaries but the Canadian-Mexico trade business is stronger than it has ever been according to the numbers and the NAFTA created the stage for that to happen. The trade with Canada and Mexico has increased more than eight billion over the last eight years."
Abstract This paper presents an essay that argues that the two main reasons Mexican immigrants struggle to achieve upward mobility are poor education and lack of job skills.
Tags: conclaves, legislation, college, drop out rates, hourglass economy, employment, language, ethnicity
Abstract Mexico is classified as an upper-middle-income economy by the World Bank and though it is a member of NAFTA, it is still marked with the indelible scar of a developing economy. So, while some successes have seemingly been made, evidenced most prominently by Mexico's participation in NAFTA, there is still a long way to go. This paper will illustrate this sketchy pattern of Mexico's development.
Abstract The writer of this paper traces the migration of Mexican citizens to America back to the 1920s. For nearly 60 years, Mexico has been the primary source of Latin-American immigrants to America. This paper supplies relevant statistics and data pertaining to this specific topic. Recent census reports state that nearly 50% of America's Latino population was born outside the United States. This paper also delves into the large numbers of illegal immigrants residing in America. In 1995, it was reported that Mexicans comprised up to 62% of the illegal immigrant population residing in America. This paper details the main reasons for the influx of Mexicans into America, including the economic disparities and differences in wage structures between the two countries. Due to the lack of economic opportunity in their country of origin, Mexican citizens continue to migrate to the U.S. in unprecedented numbers.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Economic Reasons Responsible for Migration of Mexicans to the U.S.
Reasons of Mexican Immigration to the U.S., Manner of Arrival, Different Experiences They Have to go Through and the Psychological Effects
References
From the Paper "It is also important that naturalization rates continue to be low for Mexican immigrants compared to other groups currently. Illegal immigration started to take place from 1965 in a tremendous manner. In 1995, as stated in a report, Mexicans comprised up to 62% of the immigrants who came into U.S. by adopting illegal means. Mexican immigration nevertheless cannot be stopped and coping to exist in harmony might be increasingly intricate. Nearly every year recently, the Border Patrol has prevented approximately 1 million immigrants trying to sneak into U.S. employing unlawful means from Mexico. It is normally anticipated that close to 300,000 cross the borders illegally. In case more than 1 million Mexican soldiers infringed the border, Americans will consider it as a major threat to their national security and swing into action they deem fit."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth examination of the role that La Malinche played in Mexican history and culture. The author gives the reader an historical overview, including the fact that she was an actual person, whose actions caused her to lose favor in society. This is done through the review and analysis of two pieces of works by historians, one male and one female, Casillo and Paz. The author also points out that La Malinche is not a well-known personality outside of Mexican culture, but her history dates back to the mid-sixteenth century. According to the paper, La Malinche's role in history has been revived by feminists who feel that her tainted past is the result of the chauvinistic nature of Mexican society which has begun to evolve over the years. For many Mexican women she is a symbol of independence and endurance of the Mexican people, and she should be accorded respect and proper recognition in history.
From the Paper "These many complications and elaborations of this essential and essentializing dichotomy about the true nature of woman can be seen to come together in the character of La Malinche, a figure not well known outside of Mexico (except to those whose families originally came from Mexico). This paper explores the figure of La Malinche, a figure who representations have over the years become at least in general more positive as Mexicans have regained a sense of themselves as a people worthy of self-respect ? and as Mexican women have refused to see themselves as meriting only the role of a traitor condemned to silence."
Abstract This film study analyzes the issues of economic and social stratification in conflict theory in relation to the film "A Day Without a Mexican". Through an understanding of the characters and society presented in this fictional comedy, the paper shows how helpless white society becomes when the Mexicans have vanished. This creates an economic and social vacuum due to the wage slavery and racial conflicts that white Americans impose on legal or illegal Mexican immigrants.
From the Paper "This aim of this film study will be to examine the sociological basis of conflict theory in relation to the film: A Day Without a Mexican, directed by Sergio Arau. The basis of social conflict lies within the racial stereotypes that white hegemonic society imparts on the Mexican population in America. By this form of racial subjection, the Mexicans in this film must struggle through the conflict of subjugating the Mexican race through American social and economic stratification. The film A Day Without a Mexican (2004) reflects the story of whites that are left without their Mexican servants and illegal immigrant workers to do their manual labor. The story revolves round both political and social lines in relation to how these people 'survive' in this comedy on Mexican social and economic status."
Abstract This paper takes a look at Mexican women and how gender equality evolved. According to the paper, the traditional depiction of Mexican women was very restrictive. The paper goes on to say that women were consumed by their family life, their marriages and the Catholic Church. The paper reports that legal, social and cultural constraints were placed upon women to prevent them from gaining full acceptance and rights in society. The paper also takes a look at the role of the Soldaderas during the time of the Mexican Revolution.
From the Paper "The ability to view the Mexican Revolution not only as an idealized cause against the abuses of the Diaz regime, but also as a method to escape the problems at home, created a new era of possibility for women. Women joined the army as young teenagers in order to escape from forced marriages and physical abuse, thus they joined without the permission of their families. The inevitable break from tradition of the Mexican Revolution shattered many of the stigmas and "traditional cultural" attachments of gender roles because women defied their families. At the same time, the promotion of equality within the army allowed the Soldadera a familiarization with the concept of equality. One captain of the Revolutionaries explained, "In the war, it's all equal. Now we cook the food and wash the clothes together, we fight the war together" (Ross, 289). The direct result of these actions was that social stigmas associated with women pursuing nontraditional roles was no longer promoted and systematically preserved. Instead they were allowed to explore a new frontier that involved the provision of different social roles. This was extremely important in the establishment of a strong feminist presence that was not afraid to confront the patriarchal system."
Abstract The paper examines the terms used for Mexican immigrants which reveal the sensitive tensions existing between them and the American people as a whole. The paper discusses the notion of "Spanish" people, "Californios", "Mexican Americans", "Latinos" and "Chicanos". The paper concludes that these terms are useful for presenting the landmarks of the history of the Mexican presence in the United States.
From the Paper "The history of the Mexican immigration is dated from the 17th century, even before the actual constitution of the United States. In this sense, it is considered that "Mexicans first arrived in present-day New Mexico in 1598 and founded the city of Santa Fe in 1610" (Immigration, 2005). This was one of the first places in which Mexican immigrants are registered on the territory of the present day US. However, one of the most important aspects of the Mexican immigration is the 19th century war with Mexico and the US's eventual victory which certified the adherence of California, Texas, and New Mexico to the US territory. From this point on, the history of the Mexicans in America represented a struggle for identity and emancipation as a distinct presence inside the American nation."
Abstract In this essay, the author uses the supporting evidence of Mark Reisler and his book, and lectures from Professor Gutierrez's to explain what kinds of perceptions of Mexicans were formed during the 1920's and why. The author explains why most Americans formed negative opinions of Mexicans, and offers an explanation of what effects these negative opinions have on social relations.
This study of the Mexican Revolution debates if the revolutionaries successfully obtained their objectives, or whether the revolution still goes on today.
Abstract This essay examines the purposes of the Mexican Revolution, from its early days as an anti-capitalist demonstration against its government, to the repeated claims by Mexican leaders that the revolution is over, having embraced capitalism whole-heartedly.
From the Paper "In July 1914, General Carranza proclaimed the revolution over. In 1928 Calles proclaimed the revolution "achieved". In 1940 President Camacho said the same thing. There are those who believe the revolution still to be going on; it is only in the last couple of years that the PNR has finally been voted out of power; Mexico, though a "democracy", had effectively been a one party state until very recently."
Abstract This paper discusses the role of women during the Mexican Revolution, and how this conflict affected and changed their lives. The paper highlights how women took on the roles of soldiers and even leaders during the Revolution, and how this worked to overcome the subservience imposed upon their gender for centuries. In particular, the author cites the soldaderas, large groups of women who traveled with the respective revolutionary armies and provided care in terms of providing meals, nursing, and laundry services. The paper also examines the role of female intellectuals during the revolution. The author concludes that in each of the various roles, a particular progression emerges in terms of the reinvention of women and their paradigms in Mexican society.
From the Paper "Equally important, but much more prominent perhaps because of their radical departure from the shadow of recognized feminine status quo of the time, was the role of the female intellectual in the Mexican Revolution. These women generally did not fight a physical battle, like the soldaderas or the female soldier, but rather an intellectual battle. They used their intelligence to further the cause of the Revolution, and are recognized as one of the most important sectors of the female population of the time...."
