Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
Social Cleavages in Mexico (Urban v. Rural (Citizens in urban settings are…
Social Cleavages in Mexico
Socioeconomic
The economic disparity between rich and poor in Mexico has resulted in a drastic wealth gap
The presence of great economic disparity in Mexico has resulted in contrasting policy priorities for upper and lower class citizens
Upper class citizens have become more concerned with maintaining the wealth they have amassed, resulting in an ideology most closely related to a laissez-faire economic system
Lower class citizens have greater rates of poverty and infant mortality as well as reduced education and healthcare, resulting in these citizens promoting greater social welfare programs, government intervention within the economy, and equitable policies
Mestizo v. Amerindian
Mestizos currently make up a larger portion of the Mexican population than Amerindians and tend to be of a higher social class and live in northern, urban settings while Amerindians generally are in lower social classes and live in southern, rural settings, displaying the impact of cross-cutting cleavages on each ethnic group
Historical origins of socioeconomic disparity between Amerindians and Mestizos
Mestizo: In contrast to the treatment of Amerindians, Mestizos were placed higher on the social hierarchy within the Spanish colonies, allowing them to acquire greater political control and political rights, which has remained constant through the present day.
Amerindians: Stemming from foundation of Spanish colonies in Mexico upon the discovery of the Americas, there has been overwhelming discrimination against Amerindians, forcing them into significantly lower status and socioeconomic position
North v. South
Northern regions tend to be more rural and are far more engaged in economic activity such as trade with the US, allowing greater exposure to technology which has allowed these northern states to advance and modernize to fit into the modern world economy
Southern regions of Mexico are far more rural, hindering the economic capabilities and ability for social reform among a more traditional population, providing a stark contrast to modern, progressive state of the north
Urban v. Rural
Citizens in urban settings are generally more receptive to social reform and progressive ideals
This progressive mentality has put urban citizens of Mexico at the forefront of opposition against the longstanding rule of the PRI as these citizens have been among the first to point out the social misconducts of the 70-year PRI rule
Citizens in rural settings have a lower rate of literacy and tend to vote based on short-term need rather than policies which will benefit the population in the long run
Because of rural citizen's lower literacy rates, the PRI has worked to establish and maintain control of this population
Over time the Mexican population has shifted from majority rural to their current state in which most citizens reside in urban, city settings
