Illuminating the dark side of economic globalization; this book gives a rare insider's view of the migrant farmworkers' binational circuit that stretches from the west central Mexico countryside to central California. Over the course of ten years; Ann Aurelia López conducted a series of intimate interviews with farmworkers and their families along the migrant circuit. She deftly weaves their voices together with up-to-date research to portray a world hidden from most Americans—a world of inescapable poverty that has worsened considerably since NAFTA was implemented in 1994. In fact; today it has become nearly impossible for rural communities in Mexico to continue to farm the land sustainably; leaving few survival options except the perilous border crossing to the United States. The Farmworkers' Journey brings together for the first time the many facets of this issue into a comprehensive and accessible narrative: how corporate agribusiness operates; how binational institutions and laws promote the subjugation of Mexican farmworkers; how migration affects family life; how genetically modified corn strains pouring into Mexico from the United States are affecting farmers; how migrants face exploitation from employers; and more. A must-read for all Americans; The Farmworkers' Journey traces the human consequences of our policy decisions.
#188761 in Books 2003-09-11Format: CLVOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 .82 x 6.32 x 8.98l; 1.10 #File Name: 0520239504343 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good read!By JazzmanRequired reading for a sociology class on family and thoroughly enjoyed reading the stories of the people involved in Lareau's research. Concepts on various forms of child rearing at not new and has lead to heated debates as to what constitutes the preferred form. Lareau's research represents contrasting aspects of families; children and expectations across a backdrop of socioeconomic and environmental influences and their effect on the development of children. Add this book to my library.5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Not just for academicsBy hungarianjediLooking into private family/parenting styles differentiated by class and race; the book reads almost like a series of mini reality TV shows airing on the Discovery or Learning channels with the added advantage of having an academic narrating and guiding you through it all.One advantage of Lareau's lucid style; is the ease with which the book can be read (dare I say enjoyed) by most readers. This book would be useful for parents wishing to compare the impact of different parental approaches or for teachers trying to assess parenting styles/philosophies based on child behavior.Another advantage is that it could also help readers understand adults and how their attitudes; management or decision making styles in the work place are affected by their race; class and upbringing. For instance; anyone trying to understand or perhaps even struggling to work with or manage "Generation Y" (Generation me) individuals; this is an outstanding must-read primer to other books such as "Not Everyone Gets a Trophy".Pages 165-181 and the top of page 245 relating to Stacey were so accurate that "Stacey" became office code for individuals with a high sense of entitlement coupled with a low to non-existent work ethic or performance level. For instance; `concerted cultivation' coupled with the presumption that a higher education automatically equates to higher salary sometimes leads to: "I've been told education leads to affluence; I got the education so give me the money; I deserve it!"; regardless of actual output; performance or competence; which then leads to "This is a mundane task and beneath me; I didn't get a Masters degree for this. This is boring. I also need constant direction and feedback on my performance. I was top of my class and my parents told me I was special... so when do I get that management job I deserve?".Overall; this is a great book; it was a fun read and was well worth the below $20 price tag.The paperback edition is of a good quality binding and paper with average sized font causing no eye strain. The text is clear and well printed with minimal or no noticeable typos. The pages offer plenty of margin space for notes; line spacing allows for easy underlines; endnotes only but worthwhile looking into during the read. lists it as 343 pages but the text only runs to p.257; followed by 3 appendices; endnotes; a bibliography and an index which give the book a total of 331 pages.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Must Read For EveryoneBy TinieThis book was part of the reading material for my 400-level Purdue University Sociology course. It has taught me A LOT about the various aspects of family and child-life in the families of different SES in the US. Now; I have passed the book on to my mum as suggested reading; and she too has claimed to have learned a lot about the lives of American families; as well as opening her eyes to other aspects of child-rearing. Once again; this is definitely a book worth the read.
