FAMILY:
STRUCTURE
By Amanda Sashuk
Many Mexican families share many of the same characteristics, however, Mexican families can not be represented by one type because a variety of indigenous groups reside in Mexico (“Mexico-The contemporary Family,” n.d.). By 1982, Mexican sociologist Luis Lenero had identified at minimum fifty-four types of families in Mexico when taking into account social context and heritage and its structure and composition (“Mexico-The contemporary Family,” n.d.). Mexican families have been described as clans who support and guide one another at all times (“Mexico-The contemporary Family,” n.d.). Members of Mexican families form inalienable bonds among first, second, third, and fourth generation relatives (“Mexico: A Country Study,” 1996). Along with this inalienable bond comes the expectation of displaying affection openly and reciprocally, and providing each other moral and material support (“Mexico: A Country Study,” 1996). Primary ties are structures through blood descendants of the mother and father’s families resulting in every person being a member of two family lines (“Mexico: A Country Study,” 1996). Extended family members know as familism also play an important role in the structure of the Mexican family. Compadrazgo (the system of godparenting) is a way for Mexican families to increase their support structure (“Mexico: A Country Study,” 1996). When in need the family will first ask the child’s godparents for help (“Mexico: A Country Study,” 1996). The union of marriage is highly appreciated in Mexico by most and the basis for the marriage is love, yet, there are some Mexicans that marry for the purpose of social and economic security (Countries and their cultures, n.d.). By the time Mexicans are fifty years old 95% of them have been married at least once. Mexicans are free to choose who they marry, however, it is highly suggested that they choose someone related to their class and ethnicity (Countries and their cultures, n.d.). Divorce in Mexico is legal, but due to the social pressure against it the divorce rate is low (Countries and their cultures, n.d.). The Mexican households often consist of the parents of the nuclear family and a married son or daughter and their children (“Mexico: A Country Study,” 1996). When more than two nuclear Mexican families live together they keep their finances separate and often will have separate kitchens (“Mexico: A Country Study,” 1996).