As one can see from these graphs, Mexico's GDP has increased dramatically since NAFTA was enacted. However, at the same time, the period immediately after NAFTA saw a spike in poverty rates in Mexico. NAFTA's seems to have been no benefit to the poor in Mexico, with rates hovering around the 50% mark since the 1980s.
Many people argue that neoliberal policies, which lower wages and deteriorate working conditions are balanced by the "trickle down effect." This implies that increased profits for the upper class will create more jobs for the lower classes and increase national spending.
However, not everyone believes the trickle down model works and consider it to widen class divides:
