NO105 Exam

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Wilfrid Laurier University *

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105

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Sociology

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Jan 9, 2024

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NO105 Exam Question 1 Shayan Panjeshahi 210931050 1. Course Theme – Asymmetrical Development: A theme that has come up frequently throughout the course is Mexico’s asymmetrical development within North America and how that affects their position within the continent. Based on what you have learned in the course, what are the reasons for Mexico’s asymmetrical development and how does this affect their position in contemporary North America? Your answer to this question should present a thesis related to Mexico’s asymmetrical position within the continent and the effects of this, supported with specific evidence from course materials. Mexico's position within North America is one of asymmetrical development, with the country facing significant challenges in terms of narcotrafficking, border issues, and a lack of trust in the government. These challenges have hindered Mexico's development and have made it difficult for the country to improve its position within the continent. This essay will explore the reasons behind Mexico's asymmetrical development within North America, the impact of narcotrafficking and border issues on the country, and the role of government trust in addressing these challenges. Ultimately, this essay argues that to improve its position within North America, Mexico must work to address these challenges effectively and build stronger relationships with its neighbours. Throughout the course, I have learned about the significant challenges that Mexico faces within North America. In Lesson 5, I learned that one of the most pressing issues is narcotrafficking. Due to Mexico's proximity to the United States, it has become a prime location for drug trafficking, which has resulted in a violent drug war that has claimed countless lives. This drug war has also created significant social and economic issues, including corruption, insecurity, and a lack of investment. These issues have hindered Mexico's development and have made it difficult for the country to improve its position within North America. Border issues are another significant challenge that I learned about in the course. The United States and Mexico share a long and complex border, and this border has been a source of tension and conflict between the two countries for many years. In Lesson 5, I learned that the United States attempts to secure its border have resulted in the construction of walls, fences, and other barriers, which have disrupted the lives of many Mexicans who live and work on both sides of the border. Additionally, the United States immigration policies have made it difficult for Mexicans to enter the country legally, which has led to a significant number of undocumented Mexicans living and working in the United States.

I also learned that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) had a significant impact on migration patterns between Mexico and the United States. In Lesson 4 I read about how NAFTA encouraged economic growth in Mexico, but it also exacerbated economic inequality and pushed many Mexicans to seek better economic opportunities in the United States. The resulting migration was often temporary, with many Mexicans returning to their home country after a period of work in the United States. However, some migrants chose to remain in the United States permanently, creating a significant population of undocumented immigrants. In addition, I learned from Binford's examination of the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) between Mexico and Canada that temporary migration is not unique to Mexico and the United States. The SAWP allows Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW) from Mexico to come to Canada on a seasonal basis to work in the agricultural sector. While this program fills a gap in the Canadian labour market, it also raises ethical questions about the treatment of temporary foreign workers and the potential for exploitation. Both NAFTA and the SAWP program highlight the structural differences between Canada and the United States compared to Mexico. As I have learned, the asymmetrical development between these countries has led to economic disparities and unequal opportunities, resulting in significant migration patterns. While temporary migration can provide economic benefits for both migrant workers and host countries, it also raises ethical and social concerns that must be addressed. As mentioned in Lesson 4, the film The Other Side of Immigration that I watched explored the motivations behind Mexicans crossing the border to work in the United States as undocumented labourers. It highlighted the impacts of NAFTA on Mexican farmers and shed light on the relationship between the various levels of government and Mexican citizens. One of the most striking themes that emerged from the film was a lack of trust in the government, which has been a significant issue for many Mexicans. This lack of trust has made it difficult for the government to implement policies that would improve Mexico's position within North America. In conclusion, I have learned that Mexico's asymmetrical development within North America has had significant implications for the country's position within the continent. Narcotrafficking and border issues have been major challenges for Mexico, and the lack of trust in the government has made it difficult for the country to address these challenges effectively. To improve its position within North America, Mexico must work to build stronger relationships with its neighbours and implement policies that address these challenges head-on. In conclusion, my learning about Mexico's asymmetrical development within North America in lessons 4 and 5 has been eye-opening. I learned about the impacts of trade agreements like NAFTA on Mexican farmers, and how this exacerbated and encouraged temporary and sometimes permanent migration to the United States. The film we watched in lesson 4 highlighted the lack of trust in the government among Mexicans, which has hindered the country's development and made it difficult to address challenges such as narcotrafficking and

border issues. In lesson 5, I learned about the extent of the drug war in Mexico and the significant social and economic issues it has created. The border issues between Mexico and the United States have also been a major challenge, causing tension and conflict between the two countries. Despite these challenges, Mexico has the potential to improve its position within North America by addressing these issues and working to build stronger relationships with its neighbours. My learning has highlighted the importance of understanding the complexities of asymmetrical development and how it affects different countries within a continent. It has also emphasized the significance of international cooperation and collaboration to overcome the challenges that arise from this development.

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NO105 Exam Question 4 Shayan Panjeshahi 210931050 4. Course Theme – Examining Borders: Across the different topics studied in this course, many lessons featured a discussion of borders and their various real and/or symbolic functions. With these different functions in mind, what roles do you think borders play in North America today? Your answer to this question should present an argument about the role(s) of borders in North America today, discussed in relation to at least three of the lesson topics from this course. Borders play a critical role in North America today, affecting everything from trade and immigration to security and cultural exchange. Throughout this course, I have learned about the historical and contemporary significance of borders in North America and how they shape relationships between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In particular, lesson 8 and 9 have provided a deeper understanding of the role that borders play in shaping North American relations. In this essay, I will discuss the various roles that borders play in North America today, focusing on the impact of the "re-bordering" of North America after September 11, 2001, and the case of Los Algodones, Mexico. By examining these topics, I hope to present a nuanced argument about the importance of borders in North America today. However, the town's success in the medical tourism industry has been threatened by the tightening of the US-Mexico border in recent years. The increased border security measures have led to long wait times and strict border inspections, making it more difficult and time-consuming for American tourists to cross the border and access the medical services in Los Algodones. This has had a significant impact on the town's economy, as many of its businesses depend on American tourists for their livelihood. However, the town's success in the medical tourism industry has been threatened by the tightening of the US-Mexico border in recent years. The increased border security measures have led to long wait times and strict border inspections, making it more difficult and time-consuming for American tourists to cross the border and access the medical services in Los Algodones. This has had a significant impact on the town's economy, as many of its businesses depend on American tourists for their livelihood. In lesson 8, I learned about the relationship between borders and migration. Borders have been used to control and restrict the movement of people, particularly those seeking refuge or better economic opportunities. This has led to a significant number of undocumented migrants living and working in North America, often under difficult and exploitative conditions. Additionally, in lesson 5, I learned about the impact of borders on trade and economic development. Borders have been used to regulate the flow of goods and services, often creating asymmetries between different regions and countries. This has contributed to the uneven development of North America and has led to significant economic disparities between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Taken together, these lessons have taught me that borders

play a crucial role in shaping the social, political, and economic landscape of North America. While they can provide a sense of security and control, they can also create division and inequality. The case of Los Algodones, Mexico, highlights how the re-bordering of North America has had a significant impact on the lives and livelihoods of people living in border regions. This underscores the need for policies that address the social and economic issues facing these communities, while also recognizing the importance of security and control. Taken together, these lessons have taught me that borders play a crucial role in shaping the social, political, and economic landscape of North America. While they can provide a sense of security and control, they can also create division and inequality. The case of Los Algodones, Mexico, highlights how the re-bordering of North America has had a significant impact on the lives and livelihoods of people living in border regions. This underscores the need for policies that address the social and economic issues facing these communities, while also recognizing the importance of security and control. Despite the challenges, borders also play a positive role in North America. They can provide a sense of security and protection for a nation's citizens. The course highlighted the benefits of the Canada-US border agreement, which has created a peaceful and prosperous relationship between the two countries. This agreement has facilitated the flow of goods and people across the border, promoting economic development and cooperation. The border has become a symbol of the strong and friendly relationship between the two countries In conclusion, I have learned in this course about the various roles that borders play in North America today. From their historical and political significance to their impact on trade and migration patterns, borders are complex and multifaceted features of our society. The re- bordering of North America after September 11, 2001, and the case of Los Algodones, Mexico, demonstrate the ways in which borders can have both positive and negative effects on different aspects of our society, and highlight the need for a nuanced and thoughtful approach to border management and policy

NO105 Exam

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