Guatemala

Cultural, Kinship, and Social Class Networks

Most Guatemalans are of mestizo (mixed) ancestry; however, there are several distinct social and ethnic groups that maintain their own sense of culture, in part through social networks based on race and ethnicity. Indigenas still maintain their traditional cultural identities, while Ladinos follow the mainstream, Westernized Hispanic culture. The Garifuna are Afro-Guatemalans who maintain a Caribbean culture. Both indigenous groups, and especially the Garifuna, have a long history of social discrimination. Efforts to maintain traditional cultures have strengthened racial and ethnic social networks, which in turn have fostered a political presence. For example, an indigenous Mayan revival movement has produced social and political leaders such as Nobel [Page 340]Prize–winner Rigoberta Menchu and has utilized Internet sites and online social networking as one tool in their campaign to organize and to disseminate information. Guatemalan national culture blends various elements of its indigenous and colonial history.

Social class is largely determined by wealth, education, lifestyle, and family name, although race and ethnicity also play a role for indigenous and Garifuna peoples. Markers of social standing include dress, education, material possessions, and occupation, and people are expected to respect elders or those of a higher social standing, although this expectation has become less prevalent. The importance of social class standing means that personal and familial social networks often have a class basis, as people wish to affiliate themselves with those of equal or higher social standing.

Extended family networks maintain close ties and provide the main form of social welfare and economic support for many Guatemalans. Kinship is one of the most basic components of Guatemalan social networks. Indigenous groups communally reside in extended family units and rarely intermarry with those of other language groups or villages. Family meals are important social occasions, with rural women and children often bringing noon meals to their husbands and fathers in the fields. Most villages, towns, and cities feature prominent central plazas where the population socializes, takes a break from the workday, attends market days, holds political demonstrations, or celebrates special occasions with large fiestas. Community celebrations include Independence Day (September 15).

Roman Catholicism has been dominant since the Spanish colonial period and continues to shape Guatemala's culture. Cofradia (brotherhood) organizations provide community religious leadership. Religious pilgrims travel to the shrine of the Black Christ in Esquipulas. Many national holidays, observances, and fiestas have a Catholic basis and serve to strengthen social networks based on deeply ingrained, shared religious beliefs. These include saints' days such as the national patron saint's day (August 15), the Christmas and Easter periods, and the Day of the Dead (November 1). Fifteen-year-old girls hold quinces to mark their social debut. Many people blend Catholicism with indigenous practices. Evangelical Protestantism and Afro-Caribbean religions also have significant followings.

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