Socioeconomic inequality in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands: modernization and buffering

Main Article Content

James B. Pick
Edgar W. Butler

Abstract

Este documento analiza diferentes desigualdades socioeconómicas -la marginalidad en particular- entre las fronteras de México y Estados Unidos. El análisis está basado en un modelo teórico de desigualdad fronteriza binacional. Los indicadores de marginalidad, basados en estudios de COPLAMAR, reflejan los escasos beneficios debido a la falta de crecimiento nacional, desarrollo socioeconómico y riqueza para la mayor parte de los mexicanos. Los análisis de variaciones revelan diferencias en los indicadores de marginalidad entre regiones fronterizas, no fronterizas y la zona metropolitana en la Ciudad de México. Los resultados muestran que la marginalidad varía, en gran forma dentro de México, ligeramente dentro de Estados Unidos. Los resultados confirman a las regiones fronteras de México como zonas de conflicto en niveles de desigualdad entre las dos naciones.ABSTRACTThis paper analyzes differences in socioeconomic inequality -in particular, marginality- between the Mexican and U.S. borderlands. The analysis is based on a theoretical model of binational border inequality. Marginality indicators, based on the COPLAMAR studies, reflect lack of benefits from national growth, socioeconomic development, and wealth for much of Mexico. Analysis of variance reveals differences for marginality indicators between border regions, non-border regions, and the Mexico City metropolitan zone. Results show that marginality varies greatly within Mexico, varies slightly within the United States, and varies most substantially between Mexican and U.S. regions. The results confirm the postulated role of the Mexican borderlands as a buffer region in inequality levels between the two nations.

Article Details

How to Cite
Pick, J. B., & Butler, E. W. (2017). Socioeconomic inequality in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands: modernization and buffering. Frontera Norte, 2(3), 32–62. https://doi.org/10.17428/rfn.v2i3.1640
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Papers

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