Environment, transnational labor migration, and gender: Case studies from Southern Yucatán, Mexico and Vermont, USA
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title
Population and Environment
Publisher
Springer
Publication Date
9-2010
Volume
32
Issue
2-3
First Page
177
Last Page
197
Abstract
Gender shapes the migration–environment association in both origin and destination communities. Using quantitative and qualitative data, we juxtapose these gender dimensions for a labor migrant-sending location of Mexico’s southern Yucatán with those for a labor migrant-receiving location in Vermont (USA). We illustrate how in the southern Yucatán, circular transnational migration alters pasture, maize and chili production in a peasant field–forest system. Gender norms condition the land-use decisions of migratory households to keep women out of agricultural fields, but in turn may be modified in unexpected ways. With men’s migration, more women assume aspects of land management, including in decision-making and supervision of hired farm labor. In comparison, in Vermont a largely male migrant labor force helps maintain an idealized, pastoral landscape with gender deeply embedded in how that labor is constructed and managed.
Recommended Citation
Radel, C., B. Schmook, and S. McCandless. 2010. Environment, transnational labor migration, and gender: Case studies from Southern Yucatán, Mexico and Vermont, USA. Population and Environment 32(2): 177-197, Special Issue: Human Migration and the Environment.
Comments
Originally Published by Springer in Population and Environment: http://www.springerlink.com/content/46005211ngp23154/
Publisher PDF is available for download through the link above.