El Salvador

Discrimination and Poverty

Social groups facing discrimination have banded together in online and off-line social networks for support and to demand change. Disadvantaged groups such as workers, peasants, and women seeking political, economic, and social benefits had begun organizing in the 1960s and 1970s but faced violent reprisals by death squads. The result was the formation of guerrilla fighters that merged to create the FMLN. Peace accords came in the early 1990s, but not before many people had emigrated or had been killed or relocated, disrupting many long-standing social networks. Salvadoran society remained militaristic, as the availability of weapons and high violent-crime rates became noted social problems. Vigilante groups and businesses employing armed guards have become common.

Over half of Salvadorans live below the poverty line, and there is a large gap between rich and poor, with many social networks having a class basis. A person's profession is a marker of social class, as many jobs are only open to those with a higher education, which is only available to the wealthy or middle class. Western material goods are another social marker of high class standing. Most rural poor are peasants or migrant farm workers and most of the urban poor are in unskilled positions. Many women and children find employment within a large informal economy, often selling food on the streets. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and social networks are the main providers of social and economic support for the poor. Many are rurally based and connected to the FMLN. Projects have included the areas of education, land redistribution, development projects, health services, and microloans for business and agriculture. Women who became active in the FMLN still run social organizations under its auspices.

Religion is another key and deeply rooted determinant of traditional social networks. Salvadorans are mostly Roman Catholic, although there is a growing evangelical Protestant movement due to missionary activity. Many people blend their religion with folk and indigenous practices. Some people rely on traditional healers known as curanderos as well as on modern medicine, but they are less prominent than in countries such as Mexico. The Roman Catholic Church was active in organized social and political protests in the past, helping to organize peasants into farm cooperatives or unions but shifted to social programs after violent reprisals such as the killing of Archbishop Oscar Romero. Many Salvadoran holidays have a religious basis, such as saints' day fiestas, the Day of the Cross, the Transfiguration of Christ, nightly Christmas Posadas, and Holy Week events prior to Easter. These communal celebrations help cement social networks based on religion.

...