NAFTA Vs. NAALC: The Mediating Role of Social Clauses Regarding the Effects of Free Trade

Free trade is considered as the road to increase prosperity in which two complementary directions are distinguished: broadening by means of the World Trade Organization WTO, deepening through regional trade agreements such as NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), of which the impact is suppos...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Res publica (Bruxelles) 2007-01, Vol.49 (4), p.628-658
Main Author: Garibay, Montserrat Gonzalez
Format: Article
Language:dut
Subjects:
Free Trade
International Cooperation
International Economic Organizations
International Trade
Mediation
Textile Industry
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Summary:Free trade is considered as the road to increase prosperity in which two complementary directions are distinguished: broadening by means of the World Trade Organization WTO, deepening through regional trade agreements such as NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), of which the impact is supposed to be more important. The prosperity however that is pronounced to go parallel to doctrines of free trade, is not shared in a symmetrical way between states. Moreover, inequality within state is also prevalent, disadvantaging weaker populations, the ethno cultural dimensions of which gender difference are part. To tackle these inequalities, all kinds of action was undertaken, among which the incorporation of social clauses in free trade agreements, based on non-commercial factors such as labor rights, that in practice however can vary enormously. Linking social clauses to the agreements of free trade immediately calls into question whether or not these clauses effectively temper intrastate inequalities caused by free trade. The article is a qualitative and quantitative study of the gender dimensions in the Mexican textile industry within the NAFTA framework. The choice for Mexico is justified by means of the conceptual characteristics of NAFTA that assumes thorough trade liberalization in developing countries. Cloth industry is one of the pillars of that liberalization, and also one of the most "female" branches of Mexican economy. Figures. O. van Zijl
ISSN:0486-4700