The Marvelous and the Abominable: The Intersection of Formal and Informal Economies in Eighteenth-Century Mexico City

Abstract

Eighteenth-century chroniclers of Mexico City often marveled at the sheer scale and variety of its commerce, most notable in the bustling plaza mayor. Yet these activities testified to what elites saw as the troubling intersection of the city’s formal and informal economies. Petty vendors, in particular, occupied a liminal position that blurred social and racial boundaries and challenged the state’s policing powers. They could not readily be monitored or fixed in place. Illicit behaviors regularly challenged, undermined, and invaded the formal economy, but also provided its indispensable counterpart, frustrating government attempts at regulation.

Keywords

• commerce
• Caribbean
• economy
• lawlessness
• Mexico City
• commercio
• Caraibi
• economia
• illegalità
• Città del Messico