AUSTIN, Texas — Mexico has grown throughout its history. However, a critical problem lies hidden from public perception. According to a 2018 study, nearly half of Mexican children live in poverty. Research shows that childhood poverty has various physical, mental and psychological effects which last into adulthood. The Borgen Project spoke to Mexican native Olga Alicia Menchaca to learn about her experience growing up in child poverty in Mexico.
Many in Mexico Struggle For Work
“I was the 7th of 14 siblings,” Menchaca told The Borgen Project. Born and raised in Frontera, Coahuila, Menchaca obtained tremendous responsibility from a young age. She began working at 14, handling the finances of her father’s ranch and taking care of chores around the house.
Many children in child poverty in Mexico are subject to illegal working conditions. In Menchaca’s case, this was no exception. “We all worked, all of us. We were so many,” she stated. According to a 2017 study conducted on 5-17-year-olds, 13.6% of Mexican boys and 8.4% of Mexican girls were illegally employed. The trend of working minors has been decreasing, meaning that it may have been much higher during Menchaca’s time.
Additionally, working from such a young age often leads to sacrificing education. In a U.S. study conducted in 2017, only 62% of children who grew up poor obtained a high school diploma by 20 years old. In comparison, 90% of children who never experienced poverty obtained their high school diploma by 20 years old. Menchaca only studied in primary school along with courses in confectionery and cosmetology. However, she dropped out of school due to the sexual assault of her sister on school grounds. Unfortunately, this is not a unique story for many families living in poverty. A study in 2017 found that victims of low-income households were 12 times more likely to report sexual assault than victims with a middle-class income.
Psychological and Physical Effects of Child Poverty
Research shows that childhood poverty has long-lasting psychological effects. In 2013, researchers found that adults who grew up poor tend to demonstrate feelings of helplessness. Menchaca described her feelings towards tough times in her household stating that she “got used to everything. When we had [money]we thanked God, but when we didn’t, we just had to live with it.” Although not particularly optimistic, her response is similar to many who feel they have no other option. Helplessness means “the belief that there is nothing that anyone can do to improve a bad situation (such as being diagnosed with an illness). In many ways, then, helplessness is a belief that control over the situation or its outcomes is impossible.”
Menchaca’s experience seemed to match this finding. She believes that the only way to deal with the current economic situation at home is to live with it. Menchaca stated that she had never been depressed, something not usually associated with feelings of helplessness.
Many studies also bring up the lasting physical effects of childhood poverty. In Menchaca’s case, she stated that she had epilepsy since childhood. A study that occurred in 2017 investigated the occurrence of epilepsy in low-income populations and found that “80% of the affected individuals reside in low and middle-income countries.” Additionally, “The incidence and prevalence of epilepsy in low-income populations are higher than in the rest of the world.” However, it is not just epilepsy that can develop for children in poverty, but a wide range of illnesses such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease or obesity.
Hardship Through The Eyes Of The Innocent
Lastly, childhood poverty puts children in situations where they lack basic necessities. Many do not have access to health care, housing, food, clean water or education. Menchaca shared a personal anecdote with The Borgen Project about a particular night in her household. She said, “When I was 11 or 12, I had to cook for my siblings. One of the meals I would like to cook because it was easy and fast was hard-boiled eggs. I remember we only had about a dozen eggs left and I made them for my brothers and sisters. I didn’t get dinner that night but I preferred my older sister to eat.”
Children sometimes must decide between keeping food for themselves or feeding their siblings. No child should have to choose to lose a meal. Unfortunately, this is the case for many Mexican children who face poverty.
The Silver Lining
Fortunately, many have noticed the prevalence of child poverty in Mexico. Many NGOs such as World Vision Mexico or Casa Hogar Alegria work to help children in poverty by providing housing, clothing and an education. In addition to these programs, the government also needs to step in, but the programs are a step in the right direction. Awareness is vital for these children who must battle the struggles of poverty. Additionally, acting now is essential to prevent life-long consequences that affect people mentally and physically. Supporting the funding for organizations that help these children will be a stepping stone towards a future of hope.
– Kler Teran
Photo: Flickr