The Maid Trade: Cross‐Border Work in South Texas

摘要: Objective. The primary objective of this article is to investigate the “informal” marketplace for domestic servants (maids) in a border community South Texas (Laredo). Methods. A questionnaire was administered by household member familiar with present study who employed at least one maid utilizing snowball method sample selection. Usable data (surveys) were collected from 389 individuals—195 maids and 194 employers. Results. For maids, are overwhelmingly female Mexican nationals, determinant or “push” factor becoming economic necessity while “pull” good pay. large hourly wage differential uncovered day ($3.44) vis-a-vis live-in ($2.61), which primarily result civil status possession documents permitting entry into United States as determined logistic regression. Conclusion. relative attractiveness work Laredo, reflects benefit pay balanced cost poor employment choice Mexico.