Labor and Legality An Ethnography of a Mexican Immigrant Network, 10th Anniversary Edition

by Gomberg-Muñoz, Ruth

• ISBN13: 9780190076474
• ISBN10: 019007647X
• eBook ISBN(s): 9780190076498
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2019-11-29
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• More Book Details

About This Book

Labor and Legality: An Ethnography of a Mexican Immigrant Network, 10th Anniversary Edition

ISBN: 9780190076474

Labor and Legality is a groundbreaking ethnography that delves into the lives of undocumented Mexican immigrants working as busboys in a Chicago-area restaurant. This book, written by Ruth Gomberg-Muñoz, offers a poignant and insightful look into the social strategies these immigrants employ to secure financial stability, maintain emotional well-being, and uphold their dignity and self-esteem.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and scholars in anthropology and related fields. It is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of undocumented immigration, including policymakers and social workers. The book's focus on globalization and its cultural, political, and economic effects makes it relevant for courses in contemporary anthropology and issues of globalization.

History and Editions

The 10th Anniversary Edition of Labor and Legality has been a cornerstone in the field of anthropology since its initial publication. This edition continues to provide new research and case studies that explore the political and historical circumstances of undocumented migration. It emphasizes post-1970 socioeconomic and political conditions in the United States and Mexico, offering a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants.

Author and Other Works

Ruth Gomberg-Muñoz is the author of Labor and Legality. Her work is known for its engaging and nuanced approach to understanding the lives of marginalized communities. This book is part of the "Issues of Globalization: Case Studies in Contemporary Anthropology" series, which introduces key concepts and theories of globalization through rich ethnographic studies.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Ethnography: The book provides a detailed ethnographic study of undocumented immigrants' lives, highlighting their social strategies and resilience.
• Historical Context: It offers a historical perspective on undocumented migration, focusing on post-1970 conditions in the United States and Mexico.
• Case Studies: The book includes case studies that illustrate the cultural, political, and economic effects of globalization on specific groups.
• Academic Relevance: It is designed for both students and scholars, making it a valuable resource for academic research and educational purposes.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Print ISBN: 9780190076474
• eTextbook ISBN: 9780190076498

Publication Details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication Date: November 29, 2019
• Number of Pages: 192
• Language: English
• Dimensions: 5-1/2 x 8-1/4 inches

Other Editions and Formats

• The book is available in both print and eTextbook formats. The eTextbook version includes built-in study tools like highlights and read-aloud features, making it accessible for students anytime and anywhere[3][5].

Related ISBNs:

• 9780190076498 (eTextbook)
• 019007647X (Print ISBN)

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for Labor and Legality, making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

Author Biography

Ruth Gomberg-Muñoz is Associate Professor of Anthropology at Loyola University Chicago.

Table of Contents

Preface for the Tenth Anniversary Edition
Preface
Introduction

Chapter One: Meet the Lions
A Dog's Life: Luis
I Want Respect at My Job: René
Meet the Lions
Il Vino Buono
What Does a Busboy Do?
How Do the Lions Compare to Other Groups of Workers?

Chapter Two: Why Is There Undocumented Migration?
Papa Juan's Story
A History of Mexican Labor Migration to the United States
The Beginnings of Borders in North America
The Seeds of Globalization: Development and Migration
The Roots Take Hold: The Breadbasket and the Bracero Program
Reaping the Harvest: The Political Production of "Illegal Immigration"
Politics of Marginalization
Politics of Labor Reproduction

Chapter Three: Jumping and Adjusting to Life Under the Radar
Migration: Chuy's Story
Life in León
Family Strategies
The Price of Crossing
Life Under the Radar: Papers
Life Under the Radar: Getting Adjusted
Changing Ideas of Home: Return Migration and Return-Return Migration

Chapter Four: Múy Unidos: Friends, Networks, and Households
Having Friends Makes Things Easier: Alejandro
Utilizing a Social Network: Finding Work
Money and Respect: Assessing Jobs and Bosses
Getting Paid and Managing Money
Utilizing a Social Network: Households

Chapter Five: Echándole Ganas: Working Hard
A Little Extra: Roberto
Extra Work, Flexible Work
A Hypothetical Day in the Work Life of an Il Vino Busboy
Learning the Ropes: Humor and Hazing
Working as a Team
Covering and Criticizing: Protecting the Group and Enforcing the Norms
Why Work Hard? Dimensions of Willingness
Consent and Contradiction

Chapter Six: Los Número Uno: Identity, Dignity, and Esteem
They're Good People: Lalo
Race, Class, and Illegality: Structural Dimensions of Mexican Immigrant Identity
Mojarones and Pacos: Race, Class, and Illegality at Il Vino
The Dignity of Hard Work
On the Margins of the "American Dream"
Gendered Identity and the Honor of Family Men

Chapter Seven: Moving Forward
All You Have to Offer is that You Are a Good Worker: Leonardo
Myths and Realities
Moving Forward

Epilogue
Epilogue for 10th Anniversary Edition: The Lions, 10 Years Later

Appendix: Immigrant Rights Organizations
Appendix: Interview Outline-Core Participants
Student Resource Guide
Glossary
References Cited
Index