Redes sociales asimétricas en el sistema hortícola del valle de Tepeaca, México

This paper examines the negotiation and subordination relationships of small horticultural producers in asymmetric social networks in the horticultural system of the Tepeaca Valley, Puebla, Mexico. Social networks are interstitial spaces where small producers, with a certain degree of autonomy, negotiate the retention of economic surplus with brokers and companies. We conclude that the organisation of the horticultural production system is achieved through asymmetrical social networks, where the small producer establishes trading and subordination relationships that are defined by each type of arrangement.