"With the emergence of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the curtailment of welfare programs, and more aggressive efforts by the United States to seal the border against undocumented migrants, the prospect of seeking a livelihood--particularly for women--has become more tenuous during the twenty-first century. In the face of the ironic juxtaposition of free trade and limited mobility, this book takes a new look at women on both sides of the border to portray them as active participants in the changing structures of life, often engaged in political struggles. The contributions--including several chapters by Mexican as well as U.S. scholars--focus on issues related to migration, both short- and long-term; empowerment reflecting shifts in women's consciousness in the workplace; and political and social activism in border communities. Mattingly and Hansen offer fresh perspectives on the material reality of women's daily lives in this historically rich region."