85

The free-market reforms enacted between 1982 and 1992 marked the end of the collective ejido and the development of social and industrial policies seemingly advantageous for women. A survey conducted in 2004-2005 in the former Henequen zone, among 1500 families and 400 health care personnel, showed that these policies, made possible by a close-knit social fabric, do indeed provide prevention services and basic health care for all. However, they affirm a traditional family organization and a “social” role for mothers, deemed to take the place of the State as social service provider. These policies seem to work alongside professional precariousness, a slight growth in paid employment for women work and a family solidarity founded on poly-residentiality.