Welfare And Well-Being In Modern Mexico Summary

The article “Welfare and well-being in modern Mexico” by David Barkin discusses the Neoliberal structure of the Mexican government and how it creates a gap between the working classes. The privatization of companies forces the indigenous people to leave their peasant communities to live in Central Mexico under terrible conditions. Although Mexico appears to have a booming economy that is quickly growing on a global-scale, it is a superficial structure relying heavily on privately owned companies that rely on foreign exports. The heavy dependence of foreign investors and the exporting of natural resources leave Mexico vulnerable without a solid local market. This structure not only weakens their local economy, but as a result also makes it difficult to provide fair-wage jobs to their people. The high volumes of exported food mean that a lot of Mexican people …show more content…
A common strategy on the Mexican government is to delay cheques until election times, or involve cash incentives and/or political favors to select people in order to cause a rift between these struggling communities to weaken local morale. Barkin points out that the lone welfare plan thought to have potential was quickly disposed of when the man who invented it was hoping to rise into power and was assassinated. This disgusting act proves that the “Political Machine” which is how Barkin describes the Mexican Government, is a power hungry regime that has no regard for the majority, and caters to a select few. The elitists may think that they have a handle on the economy and that they can manipulate these poor people with ease, but as Barkin discusses in his “New Vision,” these people are more intelligent and dedicated to their culture than the government give them credit for, and have a long history of fighting for their