ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book concerns the changes in the living conditions of the Mexican population and, in particular, of the population living in Mexico City. The period of analysis covers 1982 until 1994, that is, when stabilisation and structural adjustment policies were implemented in Mexico. The book discusses the almost universal process of structural adjustment implemented in many developing countries during the 1980s and the main arguments concerning the implications of that process for poverty and economic growth. It presents the evolution of the Mexican economy in terms of growth during the period of stabilisation and adjustment, followed by a review of the main features of specific policy reforms carried out by the Mexican government between 1982 and 1994. The book analyses whether there is enough evidence to support the idea that poverty increased during the stabilisation and structural adjustment period.
