Mexican and South American (Peruvian)

Mexican and South American (Peruvian) Cultural Groups

Most people know that Mexico is a part of the North American continent. However, people often lump the Mexican culture in with the cultures of South America because they are all considered to be Hispanic. There are definite similarities between Mexicans and the various cultures of South American countries in terms of physical appearance, language, arts, customs and traditions, education, social and economic issues, religion and all of the other elements that constitute culture. However there are quite a few differences as well. This paper will examine these similarities and differences in terms of demographics, customs and traditions, and socioeconomic/political factors.

Note: Because South America is a continent comprised of numerous countries, a reasonable comparison could only be made between Mexico and one South American country. I have chosen Peru.

Demographics

Mexico

As of the 2010 census, the population in Mexico is 112,468,855. This makes it the 11 the most populous country in the world. There are more males than females under the age of 14, but there are more females than males over the age of 15. The greatest bulk of the population in terms of age is 15-64, which comprises 64.6% of the entire population. Those over 65 comprise only 6.2% of the population, leaving the under 14 demographic with 29.1% (CIA World Factbook, 2011)[primary].

The ethnic groups in Mexico are divided as follows: "mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish) 60%, Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian 30%, white 9%, other 1%" (CIA World Factbook, 2011). The vast majority of the population (92.7) is Spanish-speaking, a whopping 76.5% of the population is Roman-Catholic. Mexico also has an 86.1% literacy rate and a school life expectancy of 14 years (CIA World Factbook, 2011).[primary]

Peru

As of the 2010 census, the population in Peru is 29,907,003, making it the 39th most populous country in the world. The number of males and females under the age of 14 is relatively even (male 4,370,923/female 4,216,364), as is the ratio of males to females between the ages of 15 and 64 (male 9,695,270/female 9,574,018). However, there are significantly more females than males over the age of 65 in Peru (male 796,631/female 893,757) which indicates that women definitely have a longer life expectancy than men in this country. The majority of the population in terms of age is 15-64, which comprises 65.2% of the entire population; a number that is very close to Mexico's 64.6. Those over the age of 65 in Peru comprise only 5.7% of the population, which is slightly lower than Mexico's 6.2. The under 14 population in Peru is identical to Mexico, at 29.1% (CIA World Factbook, 2011)[primary].

The ethnic groups in Peru are divided as follows: "Amerindian 45%, mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 37%, white 15%, black, Japanese, Chinese, and other 3%" (CIA World Factbook, 2011)[primary]. In terms of language, 84.1% speak Spanish, which is significantly lower than Mexico's 92.7% of Spanish-speaking residents. 81.3% are Roman-Catholics, which is around 5% more than the number of Roman-Catholics in Mexico, but both countries clearly have a single religion that the vast majority of its people practice. The literacy rate in Peru is slightly higher than in Mexico (Peru's is 92.9% and Mexico's is 86.1%). Yet both countries have a school life expectancy of 14 years (CIA World Factbook, 2011). [primary]

Customs and Traditions

Mexico

Mexico is known for its lively, colorful cultural celebrations such as Cinco De Mayo and Day of the Dead. Cinco De Mayo is a celebration of Mexico's victory against French and traitor Mexican troops in Puebla on May 5, 1862. The celebration is becoming increasingly popular in America, but the cultural significance is all Mexican. From Mexican cuisine to Mariachi bands to Mexican dancing, Cinco de Mayo is all about celebrating the unique culture of Mexico (Herz, 2010). [secondary]

Day of the Dead (El dia de los muertos) is not nearly as morbid as it sounds; it is actually a celebration of those who have passed on but left their mark here on earth. It dates back to the ancient Aztecs over 3,000 years ago. This is a very ritualistic celebration. For example, according to Miller (2009) [secondary]"Today, people don wooden skull masks called calacas and dance in honor of their deceased relatives. The wooden skulls are also placed on altars that are dedicated to the dead. Sugar skulls, made with the names of the dead person on the forehead, are eaten by a relative or friend."

Other important customs and traditions in Mexico are related to family. The Mexican people traditionally have very close family relationships. Although the families are traditionally patriarchal in nature, this tradition is beginning to evolve much as it has in the United States towards a more equal relationship between the husband and wife. Divorce carries with it a great stigma in Mexican culture; so much so that in the 1990s the divorce rate was only 6.5% ("Countries and their Cultures," 2011). [secondary]

Peru

Like Mexico, Peru has a host of rich and colorful cultural traditions and customs. One of their most notable cultural features is their cuisine. For example, "Ceviche, fish marinated in aji, a hot sauce made mainly from spicy peppers, tomato, onions and lemon, is an example of a particular Peruvian delicacy" ("Countries and their Cultures," 2011). [secondary] Peruvians are a very proud people and they do not like to show emotion whenever possible. This tradition of not showing emotion goes back to European Colonialism and it especially important for men. Peruvians also treat their elders with great respect, however there is also a very strong and corrupt alternative counterculture, especially among Peruvian youth ("Countries and their Cultures," 2011). [secondary]

Peru shares with Mexico its love of fanciful celebrations, both religious and secular. Also like Mexico, these celebrations tend to center around great amounts of food, libations, music and dance. Some also include sports like soccer and volleyball. The celebrations in Peru are not quite as large or publicly acknowledged as they are in Mexico. The two biggest are National Independence Day, which is celebrated from July 28th through the 30th, Battle of Arica, which is celebrated on June 7th, and Carnival which is celebrated three days before Lent ("Countries and their Cultures," 2011). [secondary]

Socioeconomic/Political Factors

Mexico

Mexico is a federal republic consisting of 31 states and one federal district. Its independence from Spain was officially declared on September 16, 1810 and its Constitution was ratified in 1917. Like in the United States, the Mexican government is divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. It has a free market economy and U.S.$156 trillion GDP, ranking it 12th in the world. Yet the GDP per capita is only U.S.$13,800, which ranks as 84th worldwide. Mexico's service industry is its largest economic sector, at 62.5%, followed by industry at 33.3% and agriculture at 4.2%. As of 2008 nearly half of the population was below the asset-based poverty line (CIA World Factbook, 2011).[primary]