Explain Socio-economic Impact of Electricity in Mexico in 3 Levels

In this episode of the Three Levels Renewables Podcast, we discussed the book "Electrifying Mexico: Technology and Transformation of a Modern City" by Diana J. Montano. The book explores Mexico's journey with electricity adoption from various perspectives, shedding light on the involvement of diverse groups as "electrifying agents" who impacted society and technology through electricity use.<br/><br/>The history of electrification in Mexico reveals that electricity was initially used for street lighting and some industrial applications in the late 19th century. During the Porfiriato, electricity played a role in modernization, but it primarily benefited the urban elite and industries, creating disparities in electricity access based on class and socio-economic status.  Post-World War II, Mexico faced challenges in its electricity sector, such as high power prices and shortages due to stalled resources and limited investment. This prompted the nationalization of the energy sector, including electricity, during the 1930s. The Federal Commission of Electricity (CFE) was established as a state-owned enterprise to manage power generation and distribution, asserting the country's sovereignty and shaping energy policies.<br/><br/>Electrification in Mexico was influenced by race and class dynamics. Trams were segregated based on class, and access to electricity before WWII was determined by socioeconomic status, deepening disparities between different social classes. Indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities faced additional challenges in accessing electricity, reinforcing racial inequities.<br/><br/>The electrification landscape also intersected with gender roles. The mid-20th century saw electricity theft in some areas, with women playing a significant role in refusing entry to inspectors, especially in women-led households. Gender roles in Mexico before WWII assigned women, particularly housewives and maids, with managing households. Electrification brought convenience and efficiency for middle-class housewives, while working-class women faced altered job responsibilities with the introduction of electricity-powered appliances.<br/><br/>Additionally, the advertisement industry portrayed modern, middle-class women as primary users of electrical devices, reinforcing traditional gender roles and introducing racial biases. Indigenous women, often employed as maids, faced challenges in adapting to technological advancements and dealing with racial stereotypes. The episode explores the impact of electrification on class and gender dynamics, offering a unique analysis of Mexico's electrification history.<br/><br/>Music credit: Great podcast intro By Lundstroem, https://takenode.org/certificate?id=2dd825c1-5594-42d2-a937-178f6ea3413dReference:<br/>Montaño, D. (2021). Electrifying Mexico: Technology and the Transformation of a Modern City. University of Texas Press. ISBN 1477323473, 9781477323472.