In this unit you will learn the answers to these questions while getting to know some teenagers from Puebla, Mexico, a city of 2 million inhabitants. You should read the following information in order to better understand the interviews that you will hear or read..

The minimum wage in Puebla, Mexico is 37 pesos (between $4-$5) a day . Most adult males work two jobs in order to make a living wage. Some people have jobs in which they may or may not earn a minimum wage (street vendors, sackers, etc.). People in managerial positions in big businesses may earn enough to own mansions, drive new cars, and have live-in maids.

Many teenagers in the city work before or after school or during summer vacation. The secundaria is similar to junior high and the preparatoria is similar to high school. Because there are about 6,000 students and only 500 teachers, many public schools have two sessions, the matutino which is from about 7:00 AM until 1:00 PM and the vespertino which is from 1:10-8:10 PM. Adult night classes are from 8:10-10:00PM

Students under 18 are only allowed to work 4-6 hours a day, no more than 30 hours per week. None of the students interviewed knew exactly what the minimum wage is for Puebla. The minimum wage varies from state to state.