Minor Day-laborers’ Environments in the Valley of Mexicali 2003. Twenty Years Later

Abstract

Objective: To describe two studies, focused on food safety, conducted at different times, resulted in missed opportunities to improve the education and labor prospects of child laborers in the Valley of Mexicali. Methodology: The description is based on two studies results that took place in both periods. The first study, from 2003, involved documental research, observation, and surveys conducted with teachers, parents, children and adolescents. The second study from 2023 tracks twenty years later the 2003 study through follow-up interviews with four families. Results: After twenty year these young people’s life trajectories show the institutional neglect effects and the social safety net absence for this population sector. Limitations: Only four families were interviewed during the second study due to the lack of safety characterizing life in the Valley of Mexicali. Value: This research contributes to the discussion on the initiatives focused on agricultural production rather than on social actors. Conclusions: The absence of social policies focused on this population perpetuates their poverty conditions and marginalization.