Effects of the Maquila Industry on Nogales, Sonora

This research looks at the effects the maquila industry has had on Nogales, Sonora, since its inception in 1965. Maquilas are defined as a Mexican corporations, wholly or predominately owned by foreigners, which assembles products for export to the U.S. or other foreign countries. Specifically, this study outlines the different programs of the maquila industry in Nogales, Sonora, the population of Nogales, Sonora, and the effects the maquila industry has had on it, the effects the maquila industry has had on the culture of Nogales, Sonora, and the future of Nogales, Sonora, and the maquila industry. The following conclusions were drawn: 1) Operation of the maquila industry in Nogales, Sonora, has led to a shift in economic activities in the city. 2) The introduction of the maquila industry led to an increase in migration to the city of Nogales, Sonora, and subsequently to the current urbanization issues it faces. 3) The culture of Nogales, Sonora, can be described as cultural hybridization. The influx of migrants to Nogales, Sonora, has influenced the culture by fusing together traditional practices (celebrations and food) and adapting to new circumstances (work culture and introduction of different cultural practices). 4) Nogales, Sonora, will have to look at ways to keep economically afloat with the departure of the maquila industries from the border. Two venues should be explored: changing the focus of the maquila industry in the city from labor intensive to research, design and development and creating economic alternatives for the city