This work provides an in-depth look at the way remittance effects democratization in Mexico.
As globalisation continues to increase and new technologies make communication over long distances more accessible, it should come as no surprise that migrants play a role in shaping their home country's politics. As a new democracy, and the home country of many migrants, Mexico provides a fascinating landscape to research these developments. According to the World Bank, approximately 2% of Mexico's GDP comes from financial remittances. How do remittances shape Mexican politics?
Remittance is often spoken of in terms of finances - even Webster defines remittance as "a transmittal of money (as to a distant place)". Even so, it is important to consider the effect of social remittances as well, which is "the exchange" (or transmittal, as Webster likes to say) "of ideas, skills, practices and know-how". The political process is shaped by more than economy and finances, and although both play an important role, it is necessary to consider the social aspects that contribute to policy and democratization as well.
While much research has been done on the economic and social effects of remittances, there is a clear gap in studies on the political consequences. Economics and social values form political issues and movements, so it is important to understand how remittances contribute to politics as well. With anti-immigration sentiments playing a large role in recent political movements, there has been a focus on the effects of immigration in receiving countries, as opposed to sending countries.
Social remittance through family members living in countries with more developed democracies can make individuals more critical of their own country's politics. Financial remittance can make individuals less reliant on patronage systems). Based on this information, I hypothesize that remittance helps promote democratization in Mexico through increased political engagement, holding institutions accountable and encouraging competitive elections.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Literature Review
Theory
Research Design and Methodology
Conclusions
Objectives and Research Themes
This paper examines the influence of financial and social remittances on the democratization process in Mexico, specifically testing how migrant-sent resources and communication affect political engagement, institutional accountability, and election competitiveness.
- The intersection of migration, financial remittances, and domestic political outcomes.
- The role of "social remittances" (ideas, skills, and political discourse) in fostering democratic change.
- The impact of reduced reliance on state-sponsored patronage systems.
- Proposed methodology for measuring political participation and institutional accountability in Mexico.
Excerpt from the Book
Introduction
As globalisation continues to increase and new technologies make communication over long distances more accessible, it should come as no surprise that migrants play a role in shaping their home country’s politics. As a new democracy, and the home country of many migrants, Mexico provides a fascinating landscape to research these developments. According to the World Bank, approximately 2% of Mexico’s GDP comes from financial remittances (2014). How do remittances shape Mexican politics?
Remittance is often spoken of in terms of finances - even Webster defines remittance as “a transmittal of money (as to a distant place)” (2018). Even so, it is important to consider the effect of social remittances as well, which is “the exchange” (or transmittal, as Webster likes to say) “of ideas, skills, practices and know-how” (Calhoun, 2002). The political process is shaped by more than economy and finances, and although both play an important role, it is necessary to consider the social aspects that contribute to policy and democratization as well.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the research scope, defining financial and social remittances and stating the hypothesis that remittances promote democratization in Mexico.
Literature Review: Discusses existing research on the political outcomes of remittances, noting a gap in political science perspectives and highlighting key debates on migration, state patronage, and political engagement.
Theory: Establishes the theoretical framework, arguing that remittances increase political independence and critique, leading to three specific hypotheses regarding political participation, patronage, and institutional accountability.
Research Design and Methodology: Proposes a study framework using surveys and cross-tabulation in Mexican municipalities to measure the relationship between remittance receipt and political behavior.
Conclusions: Summarizes that remittances act as a catalyst for democratic practices and emphasizes the need for further research into the diverse political impacts of migration on home communities.
Keywords
Remittances, Mexico, Democratization, Migration, Political Engagement, Social Remittance, Financial Remittance, Patronage Systems, Institutional Accountability, Civic Engagement, Political Participation, Democracy, Elections, Migrants, Development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The work investigates the causal link between financial and social remittances and the progress of democratization within Mexico.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Central themes include the political influence of migrants, the transition from state-dependent patronage to independent civil engagement, and the role of transnational communication in politics.
What is the central research question?
The research asks how remittances—both financial and social—shape Mexican politics and whether they help promote democratization.
Which scientific methodology is proposed?
The author proposes a quantitative-qualitative approach using surveys to categorize respondents based on their contact with migrant relatives and their political participation levels, alongside longitudinal regression analysis.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The text reviews existing literature, presents a theoretical model linking remittances to institutional accountability, and details a methodology for future empirical testing.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include Remittances, Mexico, Democratization, Social Remittance, Patronage, and Political Engagement.
How do social remittances differ from financial remittances?
Financial remittances refer to the actual transfer of money, while social remittances encompass the exchange of ideas, political knowledge, and democratic practices between migrants and their home country.
Why is Mexico considered a unique case for this study?
Mexico serves as a critical case because it is a relatively new democracy with a high volume of migrants, making it an ideal landscape to test the intersection of migration and democratic consolidation.
How does the author view the role of patronage systems?
The author argues that remittances can make citizens less reliant on government-provided aid, thereby reducing the effectiveness of traditional patronage systems used to secure votes.
- Quote paper
- Danielle Kyle (Author), 2017, The Influence of Remittance on Mexico's Democracy, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/489359
