Cross‐Border Consumption of Informal and Underground Goods: A Case Study of Alternative Consumerism in South Texas

Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore the determinants of informal consumption of cross‐border goods from the South Texas‐Mexico border. Twelve select informal and underground goods are examined.MethodsDerived from extensive interviews, a unique (and purposive) data set of 357 consumers from the South Texas borderlands was collected in the summer of 2010.ResultsNearly two‐thirds (64.6 percent) of borderlands consumers have engaged in, at one time or another, the purchase and consumption of cross‐border informal goods. The rate is 44.1 percent for the consumption of cross‐border underground goods. An important determinant in the cross‐border consumption of informal goods is one's self‐reported morals for buying “off the books.” This relationship is inversely bound. Immigration status, Spanish‐language ability, education, civil status, and residence location all inform participation in the consumption of informal cross‐border goods.ConclusionThe South Texas‐Mexico border clearly acts as a lever for the cross‐border consumption of informal and underground goods.