Women and Change (Chapter 8)

Women leaders are the heart of Colonia communities. Colonia’s exist on both sides on the border. They are a space in which what it means to be a Mexican in the United States is constructed. Colonia’s are usually filled with substandard housing stock. Immigration to the United States was at its highest in the 1980’s when the Mexican economy was at worst. Women’s traditional gender roles in Mexico are caretaking and for men are to be providers. It is important in the production of political subjects in the Colonia’s. Most Colonia households have one car sometimes it may not be working so it requires carpooling. Some of the people who live in the Colonia’s were interviewed about gender roles and what they expect from men and women. Some responses about the about the fathers role was the most authority, kids obey him more; give security to their families, and the provider. Some responses about the mothers roles was intelligence and wisdom, educator, iron clothes, bathe the kids, take them to school, and feed them food. These roles are traditional patriarchal roles but women on a daily bases are also active in leadership roles. The Colonia homes would not a functioning home without the women. Men who work from eight to five or nine to five come home after work and their work is done for the day. Any other activities are recreational. Women leaders find it easier to be active in public areas if their husbands are not present. Many of the leaders are women who are the heads of their households.