Poverty and Inequality in Mexico after NAFTA: Challenges, Setbacks and Implications

Emmanuel Alvarado

doi:10.21670/ref.2008.17.a03

Autores/as

Emmanuel Alvarado Florida Atlantic University

Palabras clave:

TLCAN, pobreza, inequidad, México, migración económica

Resumen

Este artículo analiza el progreso logrado en la disminución de la pobreza y la inequidad en México durante los años posteriores a la firma del Tratado de Libre Comercio, desde 1994 al 2007, y su relación inherente al debate académico en torno a la reducción de la pobreza en un contexto de integración económica regional y liberalización comercial internacional. Específicamente, en el artículo se examina la evolución de la pobreza urbana y rural en México, las disparidades internas regionales y de ingreso, así como también el rol del gasto gubernamental después del inicio del Tratado de Libre Comercio dentro de un marco de liberalización económica marcado por una expansión de flujos comerciales y de inversión con Estado Unidos.

Abstract

This article analyzes the progress obtained in diminishing poverty and inequality in Mexico during the post-NAFTA years ranging from 1994 to 2007, and how it pertains to the broad critical debate surrounding poverty-gap reduction in the context of regional and international economic integration and trade liberalization. Specifically, the article discusses the evolution of Mexican rural and urban poverty, income and regional disparities, as well as the role of government spending after the enactment of NAFTA and within the framework of economic liberalization marked by expanded international trade and investment, particularly with the United States.

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