The Urbanization Process of a Poor Mexican Neighborhood

This is a good sociological study of migration processes, living conditions, and local organizations of people residing in a small, newly developed colonia popular of Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. Survey conclusions and extensive comparisons with other Latin American cities are packed into the slim book. Nationwide migration “streams,” phases of migration, attractions of the border area, underemployment, education, and adaptation to the city are discussed. Treatment of local level political process is among the most provocative I have read concerning Mexico. Useful data and a strong comparative approach lead the authors to fruitful speculations and hypotheses. Their methodology excludes cultural information that could alter some conclusions.