Corporatism, Informality and Democracy in the Streets of Mexico City

Abstract

While the end of corporatism has been frequently announced, we argue that in Mexico it persists under contemporary neo-liberalism, albeit with new characteristics. To explore these characteristics, we use the concept of corporatism in a broader sense. That is, we assume that it not only involves relationships between trade unions, business associations and the state, but also with other civil society organisations. For our study, this includes informal worker organisations, in particular of taxi drivers and street vendors. We analyse these organisations, their relationship with the work itself (especially the occupation of public space) and their linkages with local government. We conclude that while some organisations remain independent of government control, many are imbricated in corporate relationships with the state, giving rise to an informal corporatism. Finally, we reflect on the special features this informal corporatism shows.