Utilizing Informal Household-Work Substitutes along the US–Mexico Border: Evidence from South Texas

Abstract: Utilizing a unique sample of 357 consumers from South Texas, this paper explores the informal or “off the books” consumption of house-work substitutes. Specifically, two ubiquitous house-work services, house cleaning and yard work, are examined. Regionally, these household maid and gardening services are typically exchanged within an informal cross-border market. As such the determinants of consuming these services are estimated from the perspective of the South Texas borderlands informal consumer. Among the key results, income is an important marker in the ability to consume house-work substitutes where those with more resources are able to pass along house-work duties to others. Hence, informal maid and gardening services are normal goods. Other results and policy considerations are discussed.