Society and Culture in Postrevolutionary Mexico

Society and Culture in the Postrevolutionary Period

• Between 1920 and 1940, daily life in Mexico changed rapidly, more so than in any previous two decades.

• Population growth accelerated after the period of violence.

• The population in 1920 was slightly over 14 million and nearly 20 million by 1940.

• Rural communities comprised a majority of the population, but the percentage of people living in settlements with a population of fewer than 2,500 declined from 70% in 1920 to 65% in 1940.

• Ejidatarios (landholders) were no longer bound to haciendas, and could travel more freely, leading to lower costs at ejido stores.

• Families returned to their villages, and many aspects of rural life changed.

• Hard surface roads replaced dirt paths, and transportation by bus became more common.

• Tractors replaced oxen-drawn plows, and gasoline engines powered mills and water pumps.

• Electricity became available in more rural areas.

• Cultural anthropologist George M.Foster documented changes in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán.

Cultural Transformations

• In 1931, a Cultural Mission was sent to Michoacán to address challenges in rural Mexico.
• The mission aimed to enhance the quality of life in rural areas.
• Schools became focal points for village life.
• Medical professionals reached rural areas, leading to improvements in life expectancy.
• The introduction of radio fostered increased communication and familiarity with national themes.
• Mexico's radio community enjoyed broadcasts about national culture.

Urban Life

• Mexico City experienced rapid, dramatic growth, exceeding 1.8 million by 1940.
• The sheer increase in population put strains on utilities and services.
• Problems with unemployment and housing were notable.
• Significant issues concerning public health, particularly the spread of syphilis and the control of prostitution, arose.

Cultural Nationalism

• A significant effort was made to connect Mexican identity, history and experience in areas like cinema and art
• The commercial film industry challenged the popularity of bullfights, with culturally Mexican films attracting huge audiences.
• Significant figures in the burgeoning film sector included Jorge Negrete and Pedro Infante.
• The motor car transformed urban life in significant ways.
• The number of cars and busses tripled and the amount of gasoline consumed quadrupled
• The rise of the car led to the improved highway infrastructure and facilitated the growth of tourism and industrial development.

The Role of Women and Art

• Women's roles in the postrevolutionary period changed alongside economic transformations
• Although traditionally defined roles for women still existed, women's roles began to broaden in areas like education and social services.
• Women and workers in rural areas played roles of independence in markets.
• A new approach to art and culture emerged, connecting with Mexican identity and history
• Muralist movement flourished, with artists like Orozco and Rivera, reflecting historical and social messages for the general public.
• Other artists like Tamayo and O'Gorman contributed uniquely to the movement