Monday, April 28, 2014
Un dia en la vida
When covering Mexico, we talked a lot about immigration, corruption and drug violence, so I would like to switch gears. Read this multi-part article highlighting the lives of six very different Mexicans an answer the following questions. What does this article highlight about economic inequality in Mexico? Are there chances for economic mobility? What does this say about the state of the Mexican economy? What other COGOPO concepts does this article help to illustrate and how?
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Economic inequality seems to be a big part of the Mexican economy. People start off as unequal, and there is no real system in place for them to improve themselves. Economic mobility seems rare, and people only seem able to slide back into further economic recession. This shows that the Mexican economy is hurting. It is weak and ineffective, but it may be on the rise as the IT guy explained. It has shrunk recently, but it could be on the verge of growth, allowing for new economic opportunities to develop for those that want to pursue them. Other topics are way of life and social aspects, as many of the poor don't have access to basic government systems, and are liable to abuse. Some, such as the car lady, break the law to do their "job", and this slightly chaotic society makes rule and protection by the government difficult.
ReplyDeleteI think that these series of articles still highlight the economic equality in Mexico, but more qualitatively and on a personal basis. The articles are really nothing more than stories that reflect the lives of different Mexicans. However, they help to provide more unique explanations for each person's choice of occupation, and show that all of Mexico is not poor, dejected and corrupt. Instead, many people like their small businesses, like the taxi driver, and the woman who parked cars for 16 years. Although these jobs show a divergence in income level and skill, they provide their people with jobs that are comfortable, and enough.
ReplyDeleteThese articles are insightful to me because they emphasize the human will to simply survive, and I liked the emphasis on family.
In terms of the Mexican economy, these articles demonstrate that it is unique, and diverse, encompassing a wide variety of trade skills, and innovators, like the computer programmer.
I think the COGOPO concepts explored are largely globalization, competition (but economically) and diversity.