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This article explores the impact of women's industrial labor in the larger context of global economic changes, such as debt crisis, export-oriented growth, and globalization. It examines the specific challenges faced by women in maquiladoras, industrialization in Latin America, and the shift to neoliberalism, affecting households, class, and gender dynamics.
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Women & Work The “Formal” Sector
Katheryn Ward & Jean Larson: “Women’s industrial labor & its relation to informal & household work can be understood only in the larger context of changes in the world economy”
3 Major transformations: • Debt crisis • Export-oriented growth promoted by IMF • Globalization of production promoted by MNCs
Maquiladoras: The Global Assembly Line • N. Mexico – economic enclave operating on neoliberal principles • Transition to gendered labor processes • Feminization of the work force • Least skilled jobs • Cheapened wages • $25-$35/week
Industrialization in Latin America • Male employment • Secure jobs • Wages • Social benefits • Union organization • Shift to Neoliberalism • Women were central to deregulation, casualization, flexibilization of labor
These bring changes to households, class & gender relations • Gender is a relationship in the process of formation
The Debate • Apologists: • Generate jobs, provide new work opportunities for women • Critics: • Increase Mexico’s economic dependence • Eliminate domestic production • More jobs lost than created • Lack unionization • Contribute to environmental degradation
Some Specifics: • Only 10% unionized • Long hours, forced overtime • Unsafe working conditions • Blacklisting • Unsuitable housing • Pregnancy testing (avoid maternity leave) • Pressure to leave (avoid paying benefits) • Relocation for lower wages