Dealing with Modernity: Business Principles in the Charro Community

• In Event: 078 - Section on Sociology of Culture Refereed Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable 100min: Table 07. Traditions, Ideologies, and Modernity

Abstract

Although many people believe the national sport of Mexico to be soccer, in reality the national sport of Mexico has more rural foundations. In 1933, the Mexican government announced the national sport to be Charreria due to the cultural significance of the Charro community. This research examines how the Charro community has experienced the changes due to the effects of the modern and industrial world however some of their traditions remain the same. The customs and traditions of Charros are not the mainstream sentiments of the greater Mexican population. As Mexico experiences increased urbanization and industrialization, the Charro community has only become a symbol of the past. Some Charros are confronted by the reality of economic instability of Mexico however many chose to continue competing in order to preserve their Charro tradition. A rural tradition once unorganized, informal, and spontaneous is now remodeled. Utilizing Thorstein Veblen theoretical foundation and ethnographic data, the author will argue that more barbaric and predatory characteristics are apparent in the Charro community because of the influence of business principles in the Charro tradition. Further, the author will analyze the generational differences within the Charro community.

Author

• Beatriz Aldana Marquez, Texas A&M University