ABSTRACT
This chapter reflects upon the role of escaramuzas or charro cowboy women in competition. The main argument in this chapter is that escaramuzas tend to be high income, have generational ties, and are seen as respectable members of the charro cowboy community in comparison to other women in the charro cowboy community. Using both The Barbarian Status of Women (1899) and The Theory of Leisure Class (1899), escaramuzas can be classified as the ultimate form of conspicuous waste due to the amount of money that is needed for it to function. Escaramuzas are examined as a separate component in charro cowboy competitions and the author documents how these women view themselves in comparison to their charro cowboy male counterparts. Further, the chapter demonstrates how the Mexican Federation of Charros view escaramuzas as a way of making additional money even though escaramuzas have no power in the Federation, demonstrating their true vested interest in exploiting this element of the charro cowboy culture. Lastly, the chapter argues that charro cowboy women are marginalized despite their fundamental role in charro cowboy history. Their role serves as more evidence of honorific waste.
