Limitations of this Research

Every research project carries inherent limitations. This research has a few; stemming from the theoretical framework as well as the position of the research as a foreign body outside of the studied subject.

TFT, while comprehensive in its adherence to dissolution of essentialism, TFT can actually prove problematic in attempts to establish a system of change. TFT, as it calls for the recognition of differences, makes it difficult to collaborate among scholars.

Essentialism must be overcome in order to seek the greater good of collaboration of women across borders, socioeconomic status, color, and religion. As stated by Uma Narayan in Decentering the Center, "although there may be no essential quality- biological, social or cultural- that women share, one that binds them together is common cause.”

Additionally, collaboration between scholars, often western, and local activists can be complicated. As women are not to be culturally or gender essentialized, it is often hard for them to find common ground on which to stand to establish coalitions which could reform systems of injustice. A western scholar, studying the systems of oppression with Maquilas under TFT may find it difficult to establish collaboration with local Mexican women, although they ultimately seek the same goal. Often, local activists see outsiders, again typically westerns (read: American, English, middle class), as arriving with ulterior motives. As addressed in much criticism of TFT scholars, when conducting research, who are you truly doing it for? The “Third World” woman (insert stereotypes already discussed including sexualized, ignorant, backwards, need to be saved), or truly for women?

International Standards on Labor

The international community has established several that are seen as key for deployment of equity, safety, and improvement within the workforce and work environment. Several aspects of the International Labor Standards (ILS) include provision for health of the employee, working environment in regards to pollution, noise, and vibrations, protection from discrimination within employment and even provisions for women with familial obligation.
Women are often responsible for the caring of both the elderly and young, making their financial contribution to the family vital. The physical contribution in caring for others is essential as well, so when a woman experiences great health risks within her working environment such as those experienced daily by Maquila workers, it has the potential to effect the entire family.
Discrimination, as defined in the ILS documents is “any distinction, exclusion or preference made on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction, or social origin, which ahs the effect of nullifying or impairing equality of opportunity or treatment in employment or occupation.”

Some areas of concern for prevention of discrimination include equal opportunities for training, equity of treatment within the workforce, and discouraging practices of existing discrimination.
The ILS even has rigorous provisions for the treatment of indigenous workers, migrant workers, dockworkers, even for fisherman. A notable exclusion within provision is for the treatment of women workers, as is the example in Maquiladoras across Mexico, there is stark difference in treatment and advance of women than men within the factories. Exclusion of women as a category of concern as an employee is significant as women are at particular risk within the workplace.

Women, even in some of the most developed countries, are often behind men in both training and advancement opportunities as well as monetary compensation. While according to the very definition proposed within the ILS documents this is clear discrimination, little is said within in the International community as ways of correcting the situation.

Death By Culture

A deep rooted connection between the disposability in Mexican culture of women and a similar attitude toward women workers of the Maquiladoras, is the foundation for understanding the subordination of Maquiladora women in all aspects of the “system.” The system, therefore, comprised of cultural Machismo which allows male jealousy and mistreatment to be rather freely enacted upon its women of perceived lesser value. Machismo is exemplified in the public justification that “men will be men” for the Juarez killings, as well as the blanket “untrainability” of women workers.

Death by culture, as coined by Uma Narayan, is portrayed in the complete lack of cultural regard for the safety and thriving of, in this instance, its women. A culture that has essentially already cast particular women aside as expendable from birth

The responsibility of the foreign nations in the situation of death of Maquila women by Mexican culture is the advantageous position a foreign company receives when employing a consistently replaceable workforce. Turnover keeps training costs low, wages even lower, and compensation for workers at a minimum. “Foreign capital has taken advantage of Mexican patriarchy to exploit women.”

Therefore, are American Multinational Companies which operate factories in Mexican borders, responsible for conditions within these factories which would not be tolerated on United States soil? Does a culture of Machismo and subordination of women justify the treatment of Maquila women?

Does the United States hold any ethical obligation to its Maquila workforce?

A FEW SMALL SNIPS

"Becuase in Mexico, killing is quite satisfactory and natural"
--Frida Kahlo

(In response to her decision to paint a pleasant face on the man in this scene)