Redefining the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands

An Analysis of Theoretical Concepts and Models

Term Paper (Advanced seminar) , 2011 , 44 Pages , Grade: 1,0

American Studies - Culture and Applied Geography

The paper analyses and compares different theoretical models of the U.S.-Mexico border regions. Special attention is placed on the models of Martinez, Pick and Butler, and Alegría. These findings are compared to current socio-economic data to review their applicability. Finally, the author amalgamates these ideas and develops a new model on this basis.

Contents

1 Introduction: Mexico as the United States’ Shadow?

2 Defining the Borderlands
2.1 Socio-Geographic Approach
2.2 Constructivist Perception of the Borderlands
2.2.1 Contact Zone and Transculturation
2.2.2 Interaction Zone

3 Theoretical Models of the Borderlands
3.1 Martinez’ ‘Model of Borderlands Interaction’ and Criticism
3.2 Pick’s and Butler’s ‘Model for Marginality at National Borders’ and Criticism
3.3 Model for Marginality at the U.S.-Mexico Border
3.4 Alegría’s ‘Conceptual Model of Transborder Processes’ and Criticism
3.5 Amalgamation of Previous Border Models

4 Conclusion: Redefinition of the Borderlands

Table of Figures

Works Cited

• College: University of Passau
• Grade: 1,0
• Author: Marvin Hanisch (Author)
• Publication Year: 2011
• Pages: 44
• Catalog Number: V210678
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656389125
• ISBN (Book): 9783656389453
• Language: English
• Tags: US-Mexico border;, US-Mexican border;, Mexican American border;, borderlands;, model;, theoretical model;, interaction zone;, contact zone;, transculturation;, definition borderlands;, definition;, frontier;, border;, boundary;