UNITED-STATES MIGRATION - AN ALTERNATIVE ECONOMIC MOBILITY LADDER FOR RURAL CENTRAL MEXICO

There is profound disagreement on whether international wage labor migration leads to dependency, disinvestment, conspicuous consumption, and inequality in the villages of origin or, instead, to economic growth, reinvestment, and a more equitable distribution of power and resources. This study conducted in north central Mexico tends to support the positive view. Although U.S. migration experience increased the percentage of family purchases made outside the small towns which were the focus of study, most purchases remained within the municipio. U.S. migration increased the level of economic welfare and possessions of families 2nd increased relative levels of agricultural and human capital investment. Thus, it appears to offer poorer classes a heretofore unavailable channel to achieve economic and social mobility.