Corn Liberalization in Mexico: The Effects of Neoliberal Policies on Campesino Food Security
Date of Award
5-29-2012
Document Type
Undergraduate Capstone Project
Degree Name
Master of Liberal Studies
Organizational Unit
University College, Global Community Engagement
Disciplines
Global Affairs
First Advisor
Tripp Baltz
Keywords
Neoliberalism, Peasantry, Production relations, Agribusiness, Trade relations, Free markets, Comparative advantage, Accumulation, Speculation
Abstract
Mexico has a long history of structuralized violence against its most vulnerable socioeconomic strata, the peasantry, also referred to as Campesinos. From the Spanish invasion, to the contemporary neoliberal development project, corn production has been intimately associated with disparate power relations both within Mexican society, and without, particularly in relations with the United States. This study sheds light on the incongruities of modernism implicit within neoliberal policy instruments such as Structural Adjustment Programs (SAP) and free trade agreements. It will demonstrate that while such policies benefit some, they principally exacerbate existing power disparities via disarticulated trade economics, subordinating rather than liberating Mexico's most vulnerable citizenry.
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.
Recommended Citation
Payne, William H., "Corn Liberalization in Mexico: The Effects of Neoliberal Policies on Campesino Food Security" (2012). University College: Global Community Engagement Capstones. 20.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/ucol_gs/20