Corporatism, Informality and Democracy in the Streets of Mexico City

Authors

  • Enrique De la Garza Toledo Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (Autonomous Metropolitan University, UAM)
  • José Luis Gayosso Ramírez Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro
  • Leticia Pogliaghi Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15173/glj.v8i3.3048

Abstract

While the end of corporatism has been frequently announced, we argue that in Mexico it persists under contemporary neo-liberalism, albeit with new characteristics. To explore these characteristics, we use the concept of corporatism in a broader sense. That is, we assume that it not only involves relationships between trade unions, business associations and the state, but also with other civil society organisations. For our study, this includes informal worker organisations, in particular of taxi drivers and street vendors. We analyse these organisations, their relationship with the work itself (especially the occupation of public space) and their linkages with local government. We conclude that while some organisations remain independent of government control, many are imbricated in corporate relationships with the state, giving rise to an informal corporatism. Finally, we reflect on the special features this informal corporatism shows.

Author Biographies

Enrique De la Garza Toledo, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (Autonomous Metropolitan University, UAM)

Researcher of the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (Autonomous Metropolitan University, UAM) in Mexico, City. Visiting scholar in Berkeley, Cal., Cornell University, University of Texas in Austin, Marwick, England, Evry, France.

José Luis Gayosso Ramírez, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro

Posgrado en Ciencias Sociales, Facultad de Ciencias Políticas y Sociales

Leticia Pogliaghi, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Researcher at Instituto de Investigaciones sobre la Universidad y la Educación, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (Research Institute of the University and Education, National Autonomous University of Mexico, IISUE-UNAM)

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Published

2017-09-30

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 3: September 2017

Section

ARTICLES

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