Ward, Peter. Colonias and Public Policy in Texas and Mexico. Austin, TX: University of Texas Press, 1999, pp. 165-203
Chapter four covers social organization and participation within colonias. Highlighting the differences between settlements and communities, Ward argues that colonias tend to exhibit settlement-like qualities. This is in part due to the individualized nature of land contracting, the low population densities and absenteeism, and the lack of a perceived outside enemy (due to limited government action). Furthermore, colonias lack informal social infrastructure, which is defined as “networks of communication and habitual contact between individuals” (166). Formal social infrastructure, by contrast, are the institutions created externally to meet social needs, such as health and education. This distinction is expanded by looking at horizontal (informal, individual relationships) versus vertical (resources/linkages beyond community’s reach) forms of social integration. According to Ward, horizontal integration must occur first in order for a community to develop. However, both forms of integration must occur in order for physical improvements to be made.
Essential to Ward’s analysis of social organization is the concept of community participation. This is the residents’ awareness of, and involvement in, the community decision-making process and it is essential to building a sense of community. Whether an area is considered a community or settlement also affects the way in which it will be viewed by government and NGOs. Settlements are seen in spatial terms of physical structures and demographics; programs are therefore short-term and are implemented from the outside onto settlements. Communities, on the other hand, are viewed as containing internal cohesion, a set of common goals and are approached in a holistic manner where NGOs or government work with community organization. This approach requires more time, however it more successfully needs community needs and eventually lowers costs.
In looking at the degree of horizontal and vertical integration within Texas colonias, Ward examines migration patterns, levels of poverty, local leadership, land supply mechanisms, availability of information and the degree of political recognition. In order to create a strong horizontal integration, Ward claims that colonias must contain community participation, independent leaders, and interactions with other colonias. In terms of cross-colonia interaction, Ward points out that this type of organization is usually generated from outside NGOs. While NGOs in Texas colonias do help communities develop political and communication skills, they are also criticized for being paternalistic and increasing colonia dependency.
In terms of recommendations, Ward argues that colonia self-sufficiency and long-term needs should be the goals of NGOs. In terms of horizontal integration, organizations should foster community participation (through voter registration campaigns, recreational activities, etc.); responsible leadership (through transparent, simple elections); and cross-colonia initiatives (through civic representation of local needs and goals). Looking at vertical integration, Ward recommends fostering external links through simple means of information distribution; maintaining unaffiliated, independent leadership; institutionalizing external links and providing legitimacy colonias through cross-colonia mobilization; and fostering NGOs.
A brief overview of Chapter 5 on social services analyzes the difference between top-down and bottom-up service provision. Ward claims that social services are extremely important, however they are often (erroneously) viewed as independent of, and sequential to, the provision of physical infrastructure. This is due in part to the more visible nature of physical services. Also, residents tend to prioritize physical services as more urgent (although Ward believes this is partly because of constructed perceptions of state willingness to provide these services). Further more, physical services are cheaper and it is therefore easier to justify direct investment. Other factors include funding sources and the political leverage that accompanies being identified with visible physical projects. Ward effectively argues that stronger links should be created between physical and social services; one way this can be accomplished is by investing in “human capital” of colonia residents, instead of waiting for the development process to “come to them.”
Tags: Colonias, community participation, NGOs, service provision
