Abstract

ZAMUDIO SANCHEZ, Francisco José; CORONA AMBRIZ, Alejandro  and  AYALA CARRILLO, María del Rosario. Human development and gender in Northwest Mexico: 1995-2005. Estud. soc [online]. 2012, vol.20, n.40, pp.261-290. ISSN 0188-4557.

A human development longitudinal analysis by gender in three five-year periods in Northwest Mexico is presented. Several indexes and indicators are used to display the incorporation of development options in general and by gender. Within the heterogeneity among the states conforming this region, progress is shown in living conditions and gender equality, most notably from 1995 to 2000. In education the region exceeds the national average and there is a reasonable gender equity. Income is higher than the national average, except by Sinaloa, with significant inequality unfavorable to women, although such a lag is closing. As far as health, Baja California and Sonora (border states) are below the national average, while Baja California Sur and Sinaloa are above, therefore health is critical factor in the region, where the recurrent difference in life expectancy between women and men gets increased. The comparative advantage of the region for its proximity to the United States is reflected in income and education, while violence erodes population welfare. Human development and gender equality have improved, although violence and inequality in their distribution overshadow the achievements.

Keywords : inequity; income; education; health and violence.