Mexican society and culture

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-08-18 17:25

Archaeological sites of Chichén-Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders. [file]

Mexican culture reflects the complexity of the country's history through the blending of pre-Hispanic civilizations and the culture of Spain, imparted during Spain's 300-year colonization of Mexico.

Mexico is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world. The overwhelming majority of Mexicans today speak Spanish, however, the government recognizes 62 indigenous Amerindian languages as national languages.

The Spanish arrival and colonization brought Roman Catholicism to the country and became the main religion of Mexico. Today, 95% of the population are baptized Catholics, making the country as the second largest Catholic nation in the world, after Brazil.

Mexico is known worldwide for its folk art traditions, mostly derived from the indigenous and Spanish crafts. Between the Spanish conquest and the early Twentieth century, Mexican fine arts were largely in imitation of European traditions. The city of Taxco, Guerrero, which is one of the oldest mining sites in the Americas, is world-renowned for its silver work.

With twenty-nine sites, Mexico has more sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list than any other country in the Americas, most of which pertain to the country's architectural history.

Mexican Family Values

The family is at the centre of the social structure. Outside of the major cosmopolitan cities, families are still generally large. The extended family is as important as the nuclear family since it provides a sense of stability. Mexicans consider it their duty and responsibility to help family members. For example, the will help find employment or finance a house or other large purchase. Most Mexican families are extremely traditional, with the father as the head, the authority figure and the decision-maker. Mothers are greatly revered, but their role may be seen as secondary to that of their husband.

Hierarchical Society

Mexican society and business are highly stratified and vertically structured. Mexicans emphasize hierarchical relationships. People respect authority and look to those above them for guidance and decision-making. Rank is important, and those above you in rank must always be treated with respect. This makes it important to know which person is in charge, and leads to an authoritarian approach to decision-making and problem- solving. Mexicans are very aware of how each individual fits into each hierarchy -- be it family, friends or business. It would be disrespectful to break the chain of hierarchy