La Cultura Latina
por Cristina Zimmerman
Public Schools of Crete
La Cultura Latina
• The Latino Family and Latino Pride
• The Community and Social Etiquette
• Religion and Latino Celebrations
• Education in Mexico
Family Roles and Latino Pride
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Terminology
Comparison of Cultures
The Latino Family
Characteristics of Latinos
Assimilation into US culture
Extension activity
Terminology
• Race: How is it defined?
• By color? Are we black or
white? Or Brown?
• When we use the term
“Hispanic,” what do we mean?
Race? Ethnicity? Color of a
person’s skin?
• What do you think???
What does “race” mean?
• From Collins English Dictionary:
a group of people of common
ancestry, distinguished from others
by physical characteristics, such
as hair type, color of eyes and
skin, stature, etc. Principal races
are Caucasoid, Mongoloid, and
Negroid
…Caucasoid,
Mongoloid, and
Negroid???
Huh?
Defining “Race”
• The problem with the
definition of race is it
is too difficult to
confine AND define.
Consider the Census
definition:
• White People having origins in any of the original
peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa
• Black or African American People having origins in
any of the Black racial groups of Africa
• American Indian and Alaska Native People having
origins in any of the original peoples of North and South
America (including Central America), and who maintain
tribal affiliation or community attachment.
• Asian People having origins in any of the original
peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian
subcontinent.
• Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander People
having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii,
Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.
Where do Hispanics or
Latinos fit in?
What about ethnicity?
• Ethnicity is displayed in values, attitudes,
lifestyles, customs and rituals
• Is this a better definition?
• Is it the same as nationality?
• What is your ethnicity? American?
• Does this definition now incorporate
CULTURAL differences, rather than
biological?
• Is it more inclusive, or exclusive?
Ethnicity is…
• A better definition, although there are flaws as
well.
• Could be debated forever!
• The Census identifies those from Mexico,
Spain, Latin and South America as “Hispanic”.
They use ethnicity, rather than race to classify
them.
• So, what the heck does HISPANIC mean?
Ethnic Names
• Which is more PC:
Hispanic, Latino,
Chicano, or Hispano?
• The answer…it
depends on whom you
ask!
Ethnic Names
• Hispanic: wide usage in the
United States in the 1970s,
Hispanic was the term for
Puerto Rican émigrés in New
York, Cuban refugees in South
Florida, Mexican migrants in
Los Angeles and the
descendants of Spanish settlers
in northern New Mexico.
Ethnic names, cont.
• Latino: refers to the same
group of people, but has
a more Spanish feel and
is preferred by most
Hispanics
• Chicano: a term
specifically for
Mexicans; more slang,
but shows great pride
Ethnic names, cont.
• Hispano: would be
the perfect solution for
the ethnic name debate
because it
encompasses all
Spanish-speaking
groups and “sounds
Spanish”. No one
seems to like it!
Are we done yet?
• Now, do you
understand the
difference?
• I use them all. I prefer
Hispanic as a noun
and Latino as an
adjective, but I use
them all.
The Latino Family
US Family 1940
US Family 2003
Compare and contrast family roles of a family
from 1940 to one in 2003
The Latino Family
• El Padre: strong
figure; has the final
say; provider of
family; children taught
that men are more
important than
women; machismo
(manhood, honor, and
dignity)
The Latino Family, cont.
• La madre: nurturers;
keep the home
together; most stay at
home; somewhat
submissive, but roles
are changing
The Latino Family, cont.
• Los ninos: gender, then age
important in determining
family power; boys take
over when father leaves;
girls clean and cook at
young age; boys have more
independence than girls
The Latino Family
• Latino parents are very strict. Children do not
usually leave the house unaccompanied, unless
they are over the age of 18.
• Girls are not allowed to date until they are at
least 15, and even then they are sometimes
chaperoned by parents.
• A boy cannot date a girl until he has met her
parents.
• Children do not move out until they are married.
The Latino Family, cont.
• Extended Family: provide
support, guidance; family
more important than
anything; may all live in the
same house or share land
Characteristics of Latinos
• All Latinos do not share the
same physical characteristics.
Some are black, others Indian,
and even others European.
• They do, however, share similar
values, attitudes, and personality
traits.
Characteristics, cont.
• Latinos are respectful, docile,
and restrain from showing
anger. They prefer to work
cooperatively, rather than
competitively.
• Latinos have a relaxed concept
of time.
• Typically, they are not shortterm goal setters.
Characteristics, cont.
• Latinos find greater importance
in relationships and strong
families, rather than money and
material goods.
• All faith and trust is placed in
God. He will be a constant
source of guidance and strength.
La Virgen de Guadalupe is also
important to Latinos.
The Latino Family, cont.
• Latinos take pride in a strong
family and stable home.
• Parents take pride in ensuring
their children are educated, but
worry more about instilling
good morals and religion in
their lives.
The Latino Family, cont.
• Most Latinos are Roman Catholics,
although there is a growing number
converting to Protestant religions.
• Because of their deep faith and
religious convictions, divorce and
premarital sex is looked down upon.
• However, both are becoming more
prevalent.
Assimilation to US Culture
• Assimilation is sometimes
delayed due to the proximity of
their home country. Latinos
frequent their homeland to visit
family and remember their
culture.
• Some say lack of assimilation is
due to discrimination and a
longing to retain their own
culture.
Assimilation, cont.
• In Latino countries, cars are
not important. However, once
they are in the US it is more
affordable to buy a nice car,
than a home.
• It becomes a source of pride
for Latinos, thus the many low
riders and “souped-up” cars.
Assimilation, cont.
• Many family roles and values are changing
for Latinos.
• Many second and third generation Latinos
are very similar to other American ethnic
groups.
• Mothers are working, and fathers help with
the housework.
Assimilation Skit
You and a partner are to role play a
situation between a Latino parent and their
child. The family is new to the US, and the
child would like to go out with friends.
With what you have learned today, play out
this situation with as much seriousness and
honesty as possible. Some situations may
or may not be performed, but we will
discuss topics that come up.
Communities and Social
Etiquette
in
Latin America
The Community
• Many cities and towns in
Latin America share the same
architecture, city lay-out,
forms of transportation, etc.
• Much of these characteristics
are founded in European,
specifically Spanish, culture.
Centros/Plazas
• In all established towns, the
center of town has what is
called un centro or una plaza.
• The plaza contains trees,
benches, and small vendors.
• Surrounding the plaza, one can
find restaurants, small shops,
banks, pharmacy, etc.
Centros, cont.
• Usually a safe part of
town (during the day)
• Most are a block long
and wide, although
some are larger.
• Many cities will have
more than one
plaza/park.
Business
• Very few large retail chains exist in Latin
America. Most are family and locally
owned.
• Chains exist in the very large cities where
private transportation is common and space
is available for parking.
• Examples of chains: Benavides Farmacia,
WalMart, Gigante, Comercial Mexicana,
Sears, JC Penney
Businesses, cont.
• Most offices are open
from 9:00 AM to 5:00
PM, but can stay open
until 7:00 PM, Monday
through Friday.
• Most leave for lunch
around 2:00 PM and
take anywhere from one
to two hours.
Businesses, cont.
• Supermarkets are open seven days a
week from 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM.
• Street front stores, which are more
prevalent than strip malls, are open
from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
• Such stores are similar to ones you
see in NYC; right next to each other
with pull down garage doors as
entrances.
Businesses, cont.
• Many people shop for groceries in
mercados, open air markets where
fresh fruit and vegetables are
available for cheap.
• One can also find large cuts of
meat, rice, beans, and tortillas at
the mercado.
Tianguis
• Another popular place to shop
are los tianguis (similar to
outdoor swap meets) where
prices can be negotiated.
• Not available everyday of the
week, but one can find almost
anything there: nail polish,
radios, clothing, pottery, etc.
Public Transportation
• Because car financing is not readily
available, most own very old cars that
were purchased with cash.
• Therefore, public transportation is
very important.
• Cabs and buses are readily available,
and relatively inexpensive.
• Drawback: often dirty, sometimes
animals allowed on buses.
Hospitals
• There are private and public
hospitals, and hospitals
supported by Seguro Social..
• Public hospitals are cheaper,
if not free, but care is not as
adequate. Facilities are dirtier
and staff is not as qualified.
• Waiting period is extensive.
Hospitals
• Private hospitals are usually
cleaner, and care is much better.
• These hospitals are rather
expensive, and exclude much of
the population.
• Seguro Social hospitals are
covered by the government’s
health care system. These
hospitals are not always
available in rural areas.
Pharmacies
• Most border towns are full of
pharmacies. This is because
pharmacists can prescribe medication
to anyone, with the exception of
narcotics. Many US citizens flock to
Mexico because prices are cheaper
and there is no need for a
prescription.
• Very few pharmacy chains exist in
Latin America.
Latino Houses
• Majority are made of brick and
stucco; very few of wood
construction or aluminum siding.
• Many take years to build due to
lack of financing; many are built
as the family earns the money to
build it.
• House have similar square
footage, but many are built taller
and narrower
Houses, cont.
• Many lack yards, but have
concrete patios
• Many do not have garages,
but carports. Rarely do
you see two-car garages.
• Most houses are
surrounded by concrete
walls and have an iron gate
at the entrance.
Houses, cont.
• Houses are poorly insulated. Few contain air
conditioning, and even fewer have a heating
system.
• Many lack hot water heaters.
• Few homes have carpeting. It is considered a
luxury. Many homes will instead have ceramic
tile.
• Televisions are rarely seen in the living room.
Families watch TV together in the bedroom.
Houses, cont.
• There is a great need for
housing in Latino
countries, but financing is
very hard to get.
• Many couples will live
with their parents until
they can save the money
for their own.
Colonias
• Many areas of a city are divided into Colonias.
• Sometimes cab drivers need to know your
colonia
• They are similar to subdivisions and are used
in one’s address:
–
–
–
–
826 Nachital
Col. Mitras Sur
Monterrey, NL
CP 02410
Standard of Living
• 82% of Mexicans have access to
running water. This does not mean
indoor plumbing, but a source of
water from a pipe somewhere on the
property.
• Access to electricity has increased
from 51% in 1980 to 64% in 1990.
• Numbers are much higher in welldeveloped cities, like Mexico City,
Aguascalientes, and Monterrey.
Standard of Living, cont.
• 20% of homes in 1990 had dirt flooring.
States such as Chiapas, Guerrero, and Oaxaca
has as many as 50%.
• Minimum wage is about $100 a month, plus
benefits, although few people in a business or
formal setting make so little.
• Min. legal work benefits include: Seguro
Social; 15 days of wages at the end of the year;
five paid holidays; eight hour days; retirement
and profit sharing. Few receive these benefits.
Social Etiquette/Norms
• Most Latinos dress more formally
than Americans.
• No one wears shorts, except
perhaps at the beach.
• The easiest way to spot a tourist is
by looking for people in shorts.
(New white tennis shoes is another
clue!)
Etiquette/Norms, cont.
• Although a Latino may not have new
clothing, they always dress
conservatively and as well as
possible.
• They do not like the typical
American’s style of dress, but are
gradually picking up our style of
clothing.
Etiquette, cont.
• It is impolite to turn people
down. If you organize a party,
most people will assure you that
you they will attend, regardless
of whether they will or not.
• Often they may stretch the truth,
rather than come right out and
say, ‘no.’
Etiquette, cont.
• When out dining, it is impolite to
split the bill. The person who
invited should pay.
• Tipping is around 10%.
• Restaurants are more formal than
many US restaurants. Most servers
are male, and dress formally.
• Good manners are extremely
important.
Etiquette, cont.
• Time is very flexible
in Latino countries.
Many informal events
do not start on time, as
most Latinos do not
arrive on time.
• It is not meant to be
rude, but just a group
characteristic.
Etiquette, cont.
• Professional titles are important,
if you are not on an informal
basis with that person.
• If one has earned a bachelors
degree, you should use the title
Licenciado. An engineer is
referred to as Ingeniero, and a
doctor as Doctor.
Etiquette, cont.
• If you are on an informal basis with
someone, it ok to give a woman a kiss on
the cheek.
• Man to man usually greet one another with
a firm handshake, or a one armed hug.
• Professional titles are not necessary;
however, if a person is older than you, it
might be a good idea to show them respect
by using the Usted form.
Extension Activity
• With the new information you have on
communities in Latino countries, plan one of your
own. Label your plan using these new vocabulary
words:
Iglesia (church)
Plaza (plaza)
Farmacia (pharmacy)
Tienda (store)
Banco (bank)
Mercado (market)
Restaurante (restaurant)
Casa (house)
Religion, Ceremonies, and
Holidays
Religion
• Religion is the driving force in the
lives of Latinos.
• Many attend daily mass.
• Sundays are days set aside for
church and the family.
• Many say the rosary daily in their
homes and light candles for prayer.
Ceremonies
• Baptisms (bautizmos) are very similar to
those in the US. Baptisms are only for
family and friends, and is rarely performed
in front of the entire congregation.
• A small difference is el bolo. Traditionally,
the godparents of the child throw gold coins
in the air for everyone else to pick up. The
gold coins have been replaced with pocket
change.
Ceremonies, cont.
• A quinceañera is the
celebration of a girl’s 15th
birthday. It is the day that a
girl becomes a woman in
Latino culture.
Ceremonies, cont.
• The quinceañera has her own
mass, with friends and family in
attendance.
• She is accompanied by her
damas (maids) and chambalanes
(escorts).
• The quinceañera wears a white,
sometimes pink or lilac, gown
and a headpiece.
Cermonies, cont.
• At the reception her court performs a
choreographed waltz.
• The damas wear gowns, and the
chambelanes wear tuxes.
• At the reception, there is always the
toast to the Quinceañera, known as the
brindis. With specially decorated
champagne glasses for the Quinceañera,
the guests are invited to offer their
congratulations and best wishes.
Ceremonies, cont.
• The traditional gifts to the Quinceañera have
special meaning for the celebration, and they
relate to the Quinceanera's coming of age.
• The traditional gifts are special signs of loyalty
and commitment to God, family and the
community. Where the celebration includes the
Mass of Thanksgiving, the gifts are presented
to the priest for special blessings.
• Tiara: Denotes a "princess" before God and the world; a
triumph over childhood and ability to face the challenges
ahead.
• Bracelet or ring: Representing the unending circle of life,
it symbolizes the unending emergence of the young
woman's abilities and future contributions to society.
• Earrings: A reminder to listen to the word of God, and
always hear and respond to the world around her.
• Cross or Medal:Signifies faith - in God, in herself, and in
her world.
• Bible or rosary:Important resources to keep the word of
God in her life.
Source:http://www.quinceanera-boutique.com/quinceaneratradition.htm
Ceremonies, cont.
• The tiara plays a role in the
actual Quinceañera ceremony.
It is traditional for the
headpiece worn by the
Quinceañera to be
ceremoniously replaced with
the TIARA. The "crowning" is
done either by her parents or
the godparent presenting the
gift.
Ceremonies, cont.
• A scepter is also presented to the
Quinceañera at the same time. The
scepter, being an emblem of
authority, signifies authority (and
responsibility) now being given to
the young woman for her life.
• This ceremony usually takes place
at the reception.
Ceremonies, cont.
• A wedding is a very important ceremony
in Latino culture. They are very big
celebrations.
• Most weddings are similar to those in the
US, with a white wedding gown, tuxes,
religious service, and reception.
• However, there are a few extra traditions
that the US does not have.
Ceremonies, cont.
• Most couples to be
wed select sponsors
for their wedding.
These sponsors pay
for items, like flowers,
rings, reception, gold
coins, etc.
Ceremonies, cont.
• During the ceremony a
lazo is placed by the
sponsors around the
couple as a symbol of
unity.
• A lazo is a long chain,
made of rosary beads, in
the shape of an 8.
Ceremonies, cont.
• Also presented to them are las
arras, 13 gold coins with an
imprint of the Lady of
Guadalupe.
• The man presents the coins as a
pledge that he will be the
provider for the family. The
bride then vows to help manage
his money.
Ceremonies, cont.
• At the reception everyone
enjoys the music from a
Mariachis band; traditional
Latino food, such as mole;
and dance.
• The dollar dance is also very
popular, but with a little twist:
Dollars are pinned to the
bride’s vail.
Holidays
• Many Latino holidays
revolve around
religion.
• Because most Latinos
are Roman Catholics,
these holidays focus
on the Catholic
religion and often
celebrate saints and
liturgical events.
Latino Holidays
Know
Want to Learn
Learned
Holidays
• Semana Santa is the
equivalent of our Holy
Week, which starts on Palm
Sunday and ends on Easter.
• All schools and some
businesses are closed for that
week. It is a time not not
only for religion, but
vacationing. Many resorts
are booked for that week.
Holidays, cont.
• Many cities will have
reenactments of Jesus’ last
walk, and many people get
together after mass on Good
Friday or Easter.
• A popular item is a cascarone,
an egg shell filled with confetti
that is smashed on another
person’s head.
Holidays, cont.
• Another important religious holiday is
Día de los Muertos. It coincides with
All Saints Day, November 1st and 2nd.
• Families clean and decorate the graves
of their dead relatives. They make
their relatives’ favorite food and take it
to the grave.
• It is believed that on this day, the dead
will come back to visit and enjoy the
celebration.
Holidays, cont.
• Many areas are adopting
American traditions, such as
Trick-or-Treating, but in many
rural areas, the tradition
remains the same.
• Other goodies include
calabazas, candy-shaped
skulls, and pan de muertos,
bread of the dead.
Holidays, cont.
• A Mexican religious is
Día de la Virgen. It is
a day to celebrate the
Lady of Guadalupe,
Mexico’s patron saint.
Holidays, cont.
• Tradition says that the Virgin
Mary appeared to a poor
peasant, named Juan Diego.
Mary instructed Juan to build a
church on the spot where she
appeared to him. However,
when Juan Diego tried to
convince the bishop to build her
a church, he declined.
Holidays, cont.
• The bishop requested proof from the peasant.
Later, when Mary appeared for the third time
to Juan Diego, he asked her for proof of her
apparition.
• Mary instructed Juan to climb the hill, where
he would find a variety of roses to cut and
take to the bishop. This was considered a
great sign because it was the middle of
December, when all flowers were dead.
Holidays, cont.
• After Juan Diego had cut the
flowers, he returned to the bishop.
When he opened his cloak to let
the roses fall to the ground, a
beautiful image of la Virgen
appeared.
• That cloak shows nearly no signs
of decay nearly 500 years later,
and is stored in La Basilica de
Guadalupe in Mexico City.
Holidays, cont.
• December 12th is a day set aside to celebrate
the Lady of Guadalupe. Thousands of people
make a pilgrimage to visit the Basilica.
• Some will walk on their knees for a mile
before entering the church to show their love
for la Virgen.
• Others celebrate by attending mass,
fireworks, singing Las Mañanitas, and
preparing food.
•
Holidays, cont.
• Another important day for
Latinos is their Name, or
Saint’s, Day.
• It was the custom many
years ago, that you were
given the name of a saint that
your birth date fell on. That
is not so much the case
anymore.
Holidays, cont.
• Today, one celebrates not only
their birthday, but their Saint’s
Day. Every day of the year has a
day where Saints are
remembered.
• Is is customary to sing Las
Mañanitas to the one being
honored.
• Also, a small gift may be given
as well as their favorite foods.
Holidays, cont.
• There are many other non-secular holidays.
However, many of the dates vary from country
to country because of their relationship to
important battles or days of independence of
that country.
• For example, Cinco de Mayo is a popular
holiday in the US. Many believe that date is
Mexico’s Independence day. However, it is a
date that is celebrated because of an important
battle won in Puebla.
Holidays, cont.
• The importance of Cinco de Mayo
is significant as a celebration of
Latino pride in the US. It is not
nearly as popular in Mexico.
• Mexico’s Independence Day is
September 16th. On this day, many
celebrate with fireworks, food, and
festivities.
Holidays, cont.
• In Mexico City, the nation’s capital,
thousands gather in El Zócalo to hear
the president recite El Grito, a famous
cry by Father Miguel Hidalgo on the
night of Mexico’s independence from
Spain.
• "Long live religion!, Long live Our
Lady of Guadalupe! Long live the
Americas and death to the corrupt
government!".
Extension Activity
• Pick up a copy of a recipe for Pan de
Muertos in Spanish and in English.
• The Spanish recipe is in order, but the
English one is not. Using context clues
and background knowledge, put the
steps in order on the English recipe.
• We will go over the answers in a few
minutes.
Extension Activity
• Estas son las mañanitas que cantaba el Rey
David,
• Hoy por ser día de tu santo, te las cantamos a ti.
• Despierta, mi bien, despierta. Mira que
amaneció.
• Ya los pájaritos cantan, la luna ya se metió.
Education and the Government
Education
• On a piece of paper, please make a guess as to the
following percentages:
1. % of Americans who have completed
elementary school
2. % of Americans who have completed
middle/jr. high school
3. % of Americans who have completed high school
4. % of Americans who have a college education
Education
• Next to those percentages, make a guess for the
following:
1. % of Mexicans who have completed
elementary school
2. % of Mexicans who have completed
middle/jr. high school
3. % of Mexicans who have completed high
school
4. % of Mexicans who have a college education
Education
• Only 62% of Mexicans have an
elementary education.
• 19% have completed secondary
school.
• 10% have completed high school.
• 3% have a college education.
Education
• All public schooling (grades 1-9) is free
and compulsory.
• Many, however, fail to attend especially
in rural areas.
• There is no authority to ensure that all
children attend school; no legal system
to prosecute parents if their children do
not attend.
Structure, cont.
• Approximately 300,000
children who should be in the
first grade did not attend
• 880,000 drop out of primary
school annually, even though
school is compulsory.
• Enrollment is not called
enrollment, but matriculation.
La Primaría
• La Primaría is similar to
elementary school.
• It lasts six years, where
students study basic courses—
no electives.
• Class begins at 7:30 AM and
are done by 1 or 1:30 PM to
make it home for lunch.
La Primaría, cont.
• Many rich and middle-class
families go to private schools.
Many of these schools are
bilingual.
• Students receive a far superior
education in private schools.
• All students, private or public,
wear uniforms to school. Usually
a dark bottom and white top.
La primaría, cont.
• 22% of all primary schools are
only have one teacher and 20% of
all schools did not offer all six
primary grades.
• The government estimates that
20.2 million Mexicans had not
completed a primary education.
La Secundaría, cont.
• La Secundaría is similar to our
junior/middle school.
• 19% of all students were
enrolled in a secondary school.
• It lasts three years, and the
course of study is similar to la
primaría—basic courses, with a
few electives.
La secundaría, cont.
• http://www.uag.mx/edmedia/zap_pr
ograma.htm
La secundaría, cont.
• There are also vocational
schools, where one can study
for their career instead of basic
courses. These schools are
called escuelas técnicas.
• Few schools offer athletics.
• All students wear uniforms.
La preparatoría, cont.
• La preparatoría is equivalent to
our high school and comes after
la secundaría.
• Students can pursue mid-level
education (bachillerato, or
diploma) which prepares them
for college, or advanced training
technical school.
La preparatoría, cont.
• There are private and public
preparatorías.
• There are usually two schedules:
a morning option and an
evening one.
• Often, the universities maintain
their own preparatorías where
once students finish la prepa
move on to their university.
La preparatoría
• Many students must take
exams to enter a preparatoría.
• The better the school, the
harder it is to get in.
• Some private schools do offer
scholarships for those who
show financial need.
• A uniform is not always
required.
La prepa, cont.
• Most preparatorías do have computers
and the Internet.
• A variety of courses are offered in la
prepa.
• Many schools have their own colors
and school emblem, which correspond
with those of their university.
Higher education
• There are three types of
colleges: universities,
technical colleges, and
escuela normal (teacher
training institutes).
La Universidad
• Universities have four-year programs
where one can receive a licenciatura.
• Both private and public universities
exist, but many more are public.
• Many similar areas of study that
exist in the US are also offered at the
universities.
La Universidad, cont.
• Each state has at least one
university; the largest in the
country is the UNAM, located in
Mexico City.
• More than 100,00 students attend
the UNAM.
• There are few dorms on
university campuses. Many
students rent apartments, live in
boarding houses, or live at home.
La Universidad, cont.
• An important requirement for most
degrees is a year of social service,
which is intended to pay back the
public for the subsidy of public
education as well as to raise the
consciousness of young graduates
about the issues of current importance
in Mexico.
Problems in Education
• The high drop-out rates are due to the high
number of families living in poverty.
• It is more important for the children to work
rather than to complete their education.
• Other families cannot afford the uniforms to
send their children to school.
• This creates a cycle of misery because the
poor remain uneducated.
Problems in Education, cont.
• The quality of instruction in primarias
and secundaras is poor and highly
bureaucratic.
• The whole nation follows a uniform
program of study.
• Many strongly oppose efforts to
decentralize curriculum and retrain
teachers; would cost too much money.
Problems, cont.
• There have been recent efforts to improve
education. These include: the decentralization
of education by handing educational power
over to the states; revamping curricula in the
basic skills area; and improving teacher
salaries.
• The current system stifles creativity.
• The government is unable to meet the needs of
special education students. Only 10% of those
who are special ed. were serviced.
Problems, cont.
•
•
Deficiencies can also be found in higher
education, which include: poor teachers’
salary; limited research opportunities; and
inadequate facilities and curricula.
There is a growing need for an educated
population. Due to a shortage of openings at
colleges and universities, only the socially
elite are allowed to go on to college. Others
are forced to attend vocational and technical
schools instead.
Problems, cont.
•
•
There is also inequality with the government’s
redistribution of money between colleges.
Public universities are politically supported
more than private. Many colleges are
adequately staffed, while many are not. Most
college faculty make a mere $5 an hour and
must also work part time.
Most universities are highly politicized; with
those that are favored more by the govt.
receiving more money.
Problems, cont.
•
Private universities are typically more
teaching institutions, and not research. These
universities have first-rate facilities, charge
students what their education costs, and
attract highly qualified faculty by paying
respectable wages. However, only a minority
of the population has access to such
universities. They are viewed as elitists.
Problems, cont.
• Many of the problems that exist in Mexico and
Latin America’s education system are due to the
socioeconomic structure.
• Although there does not exist a caste system, it is
nearly impossible for someone who is poor to
become rich. Therefore, the poor get poorer, and
the rich get richer.
• In order to receive a good education, one must
have money. Without money, the cycle
continues.