Household Development in Tlapanalá: A Comparative Study Between Households Receiving Remittances and Households Not Receiving Remittances

Abstract

This paper compares households that receive remittances with those that do not. With this comparison, it is possible to identify differences in terms of household income, consumption, and savings capacity. The household economy approach is utilized to analyze the community of Tlapanalá, a town with a high level of migration. All of the data were collected with a survey, which gathered information about annual income and annual expenditure of households. Expenditures on food, education, and health are compared for both types of households. The main conclusion is that consumption patterns between households do not differ significantly. However, those who receive remittances use the money to buy food. Consequently, this money represents an international wage used for daily survival. Over the long term, this money might create a solid financial position and wealth for the household.