Venezuela

Societal Divides

There are also social and professional divides between rural and urban populations and manual versus skilled laborers. Many of the poor are gathered in shabbily constructed hillside shantytowns. Rising crime rates and the 1990s' economic crisis created social unrest and violent confrontations between networks of protestors, based on common complaints, and the military and police forces. Networks based on social and political issues have increasingly begun to utilize the Internet to unite and attract new members and publicize their goals.

Nuclear and extended family networks are among the most vital social networks in Venezuelan culture, with relatives expected to provide each other with economic [Page 924]and social support. These social networks based on kinship often extend to the business world, where nepotism is viewed positively as a way to guarantee working with people one knows and trusts.

Social networks are assiduously maintained in part because one never knows when such a connection will be needed. Weekends, holidays, and special occasions are marked by large family gatherings or vacations. There are few nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) operative in Venezuela compared to the rest of South America, with these few emphasizing environmental and human rights issues, particularly among indigenous groups such as the Yanomamo.

Religion is also central to Venezuelan identity and traditional social networks. Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion, with sizable Protestant and Jewish communities and a small Islamic population. There are a few remaining practitioners of indigenous religions in remote areas. Two active social networks based on religious practices known as cultos are that of Maria Lonzo and that of Dr. Jose Gregorio Hernandez (Brother Gregorio). Maria Lonzo was a witch and traditional healer who was associated with the African el Negro Felipe and the Indian cacique (chief) Guaicapuro. Together they form what is called the Three Powers. Networks of followers use music, dancing, and alcohol to enter a trance state where they can predict the future. Brother Gregorio is venerated as a saint with the ability to heal.

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