Publication Date

7-1-1997

Degree Program

Department of Sociology

Degree Type

Master of Arts

Abstract

In the Western Hemisphere global capitalism and regional trading blocks have become more pronounced with the passing of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). I examine the impacts of the neoliberal changes prior to and after the implementation of NAFTA in the community of Huatusco, Veracruz, Mexico. World-systems analysis is the theoretical outline. The global commodity chains approach is used to examine the coffee commodity system that links the United States and Mexico. This thesis includes qualitative and quantitative data that were developed from fieldwork research in Mexico and in the community. The qualitative data suggest that the impacts of neoliberaiism and NAFTA have been far reaching in Huatusco, Veracruz. The coffee commodity system has been particularly heavily impacted. These effects, in turn, have directly or indirectly affected the local population, which are illustrated with the quantitative data. During the neoliberal restructuring local citizens experienced problems in obtaining basic necessities such as food and clothing. Local perspectives regarding NAFTA are negative.

Disciplines

Economics | Sociology

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