Structural Violence and Social Inequality
Structural violence refers to social structures that harm or disadvantage individuals. In this book, it encompasses the systemic exploitation and marginalization of migrant farmworkers. Holmes describes the perilous journey of Triqui migrants crossing the border, facing physical danger and exploitation by smugglers. This journey is not a choice but a necessity driven by poverty and lack of opportunities in their home country. The author details the grueling labor conditions in the fields, where workers face long hours, minimal pay, and contact with harmful pesticides. The physical and mental toll of such labor is a direct result of structural inequalities that prioritize profit over human dignity.
Symbolic Violence and Racism
Symbolic violence, a concept by Pierre Bourdieu, refers to the internalization and acceptance of social hierarchies and discrimination by the oppressed and the oppressors. Holmes documents how the agricultural industry segregates the labor force based on ethnicity and citizenship, with Indigenous Mexicans like the Triqui occupying the lowest positions. This hierarchy is accepted as normal, which perpetuates their exploitation and invisibility. In healthcare settings, Triqui workers receive inadequate care because their symptoms are attributed to their ethnicity and social status rather than their working situations. This reflects a form of symbolic violence where medical professionals perpetuate social inequalities.
Health Disparities
The medical gaze—a term by Michel Foucault—refers to the clinical focus on individual pathology while ignoring social determinants of health. Holmes provides accounts of Triqui workers struggling to access adequate healthcare. When they do receive medical attention, their conditions are misunderstood or misdiagnosed because clinicians overlook the social and environmental factors affecting their health. He describes instances where healthcare workers attribute health problems to the personal behaviors of the farmworkers rather than considering the impact of their working settings and socioeconomic position. This tactic fails to address the root sources of their health problems as it reinforces social inequalities.
Pragmatic Solidarity and Advocacy
Pragmatic solidarity involves actively working to improve the conditions of oppressed communities through practical and tangible measures. Holmes highlights examples of solidarity within farming communities, such as workers supporting each other through informal networks and organizing efforts to demand better working conditions. These acts of resistance and mutual aid demonstrate the potential for collective action to bring about changes. In conclusion, Holmes advocates for specific measures to support migrant workers, including improved safety regulations for pesticide use, fairer labor practices, and inclusive educational programs. These recommendations aim to address the structural issues contributing to the exploitation and marginalization of migrant farmworkers.
