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The Maid Trade: Cross‐Border Work in South Texas

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  • Michael J. Pisani
  • David W. Yoskowitz

Abstract

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

Suggested Citation

  • Michael J. Pisani & David W. Yoskowitz, 2002. "The Maid Trade: Cross‐Border Work in South Texas," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 83(2), pages 568-579, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:83:y:2002:i:2:p:568-579
    DOI: 10.1111/1540-6237.00101
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    Cited by:

    1. Brishti Guha, 2007. "Maids and mistresses : migrating maids and female labor force participation," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 10(11), pages 1-9.
    2. Hong-kin Kwok, 2012. "The Generation Y’s Working Encounter: A Comparative Study of Hong Kong and other Chinese Cities," Journal of Family and Economic Issues, Springer, vol. 33(2), pages 231-249, June.
    3. repec:ebl:ecbull:v:10:y:2007:i:11:p:1-9 is not listed on IDEAS

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