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The poverty trap: a grounded theory on the price of survival for the urban poor in Mexico

Author

Listed:
  • Bernardo Turnbull

    (Ciudad de)

  • Sarah Frances Gordon

    (Ciudad de)

  • Angélica Ojeda-García

    (Ciudad de)

  • Jaime Fuentes-Balderrama

    (Univeristy of Texas at Austin)

  • Cinthia Cruz del Castillo

    (Ciudad de)

Abstract

People living in poverty inhabit the outskirts of Mexican cities. They struggle and survive but cannot overcome poverty. The present article seeks to understand how the survival tactics of the urban poor keep them in poverty and, with this understanding, inform future interventions. A study based on qualitative grounded theory was conducted in 10 impoverished neighbourhoods in three main regions and cities in Mexico. Observational accounts and in-depth individual and group interviews were conducted with diverse social actors for 115 participants (75 women and 40 men) aged between 12 and 76 years. The data were analysed using an interpretative thematic analysis. Research findings revealed that the urban poor tackle adversities, such as a lack of basic services, health, education, environment, and nutrition. The strength, patience, and hard work employed by these individuals to survive were evident, but their actions to tackle these threats were costly. Ultimately, the urban poor remain in a cycle of poverty, or poverty traps. Interventions to fight poverty, improve life conditions, and general development must include integrated and participatory plans that consider the knowledge and strengths of the urban poor.

Suggested Citation

  • Bernardo Turnbull & Sarah Frances Gordon & Angélica Ojeda-García & Jaime Fuentes-Balderrama & Cinthia Cruz del Castillo, 2024. "The poverty trap: a grounded theory on the price of survival for the urban poor in Mexico," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-8, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:11:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-024-03328-3
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-024-03328-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wood, Geof, 2003. "Staying Secure, Staying Poor: The "Faustian Bargain"," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 31(3), pages 455-471, March.
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    4. Turnbull, Bernardo & Hernández, Raquel & Reyes, Miguel, 2009. "Street children and their helpers: An actor-oriented approach," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(12), pages 1283-1288, December.
    5. Alejandra Reyes, 2020. "Mexico’s Housing Paradox: Tensions Between Financialization and Access," Housing Policy Debate, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 30(4), pages 486-511, July.
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