ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the question of corporate responsibilities in the third world’s new industries, through an analysis of the different kinds of nexus between maquiladora companies and other actors in the Mexico–United States border, on issues related to economic and social rights. It focuses on the community and social policies developed by maquiladora plants. The specific issues covered include: the construction of social capital; the scope of corporate social responsibility initiatives; relationships with local and federal governments, non-governmental organisations (NGO), unions and other agents; and the institutionalisation, accountability and governance of corporate responsibility. The chapter presents some recommendations for social policies that could be adopted by companies, governments and NGOs. Some companies join with public and social agencies to develop long-term projects: for example, to extend the number of participatory day-care centres supported by the Mexican Social Security Institute. Corporate philanthropy strategies allow maquiladoras to extend their range of interlocutors.
