Remittances form an important source of revenue for many farm households and rural communities. In spite of their significance, how remittances are expended is not well studied. Neoclassical economic theory indicates that the welfare of recipients unequivocally improves as the household budget line increases. Which new combination of goods, such as production and leisure, is selected on the budget line depends on household and community preferences. The literature suggests many factors influence preferences. The original resource endowment defines production possibilities. Regional economic conditions determine agricultural profitability and alternative investment opportunities. The volume and timing of remittances influence a farmer's willingness to accept risk. Socio-economic survey data from 54 households in the village of El Rosario Micaltepec, Puebla in the Mixteca Baja region illustrate the conditions under which certain households may choose to invest remittances in agricultural production. Data on the activities of the migrant village associations of two villages are used to evaluate the circumstances that favor community investment of migrant-donated funds over their conspicuous consumption.

As the focus of over 70 years* of archaeological research, Oaxaca, Mexico, is one of Mesoamerica*s best understood regions. Yet, despite the volume of work in Oaxaca, information about one of its key resource areas, the central Pacific coast, remains limited. Specifically, the ambiguous role of Oaxaca*s Central Coast in interregional relationships during pre-Hispanic times to the sites of Monte Alban and Tututepec has been a chronic problem and major source of debate for decades. The purpose of this thesis is to begin clarifying the role of Oaxaca*s Central Coast in interregional networks and its pre-Hispanic history. Analysis utilized surface observations, surface collections, and information from limited excavations performed by the Proyecto Arqueologico Laguna de Manialtepec (PALM) in the Manialtepec Basin, located on the Central Coast of Oaxaca. The data was then mapped using ArcGIS software to render settlement and artifact patterns. Based on the results of this project I suggest a history of settlement for this area. I also argue that the Basin contained three centers, maintained interregional interactions, and was invaded by the Mixtecs of highland Oaxaca during the Late Postclassic Period (A.D. 1200-1500).