Mexico City - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
I have heard about prejudice against black Americans (or perhaps black people generally). Gender equality- eh, it's not the best here, but also not the worst. - Jul 2023
Gender equality is not the best. I think you can see it in workplace settings occasionally and definitely at local schools. (Moms groups, never parent groups... gender-based bullying). Not the worst, but not great. - Apr 2021
As with other spots in Latin America, there is a touch of machismo now and then. The greatest issue appears to be the socio-economic divide between the upper and working classes. In the Polanco bubble it's easy to forget the day-to-day challenges faced by people dependent on the informal economy. - May 2020
Not that we have experienced. We are African-American and get a lot of stares when we go out,but I don't think that it is being done maliciously or out of prejudices. - Apr 2019
Machismo is a thing. While men are extremely polite to women here, there is a dark side to the special treatment. - May 2017
Macho culture is still apparent in Mexico, which leads to gender issues. As a female expat I haven't felt the gender inequality, especially compared to other countries in which I've lived, but I think it's there for much of the greater population. - Sep 2016
I haven't seen any. But skin color is something that you'll be aware of. Although Mexico is a self-proclaimed "mestizo" nation (mixed races), you'll notice that "color" sometimes means "class" (compare indigenous people begging for money and light-skin foreigners called "gringos"). - Jun 2016
I think there are issues. Sexism is an issue. Women ARE paid less here. Job descriptions will include criteria about age and appearance. Sports are not as widely encouraged for girls. - May 2016
There is a a Catholic, patriarchal history, but generally speaking the people here are friendly and treat others well. I am a white woman who does not broadcast religious beliefs, so I may not be seeing a very broad spectrum of behavior. - May 2016
None that I perceive. - Oct 2014
I haven't experienced any but I've heard of friends who have experienced racial issues. - Aug 2014
No experience. - Mar 2014
I'd say yes, but I don't know that foreigners experience these problems (I will not speak for everyone). Race is an issue if you're Mexican, in that rich people tend to be whiter (and often Spanish-looking) and poorer are darker (and more indigenous-looking) - which goes back hundreds of years, and only now are those things starting to change. Gender can be a problem too, though again - foreigners generally don't experience it I don't think as there are plenty of women in positions of power in Mexico. - Dec 2013
Mexicans tend to be very tolerant in general, although (as anywhere) people have their own opinions about foreigners such as americans, spaniards, chinese. But they usually keep to themselves. Nothing very serious. Mexicans are very class conscious (and most of the upper class is European- looking). - Jul 2013
You can find all kinds of religious services here in Mexico City. The majority of the local population here is Catholic. - Jan 2013
Not that I have seen. - Jan 2013
I have not noticed any. - May 2012
Very little - Apr 2011
Mexico is primarily Roman Catholic, but there are evangelical groups on the rise. The society is very much tied to catholic customs and holidays. - Apr 2010
I don't think so. - Feb 2010
Among Mexicans, there seems to be a correlation between the darkness of one's skin and your economic status, but didn't hear much about expats being targeted. - Jan 2010
Overall I found that Mexico is very conscious about skin color. They have a long way to go to lose some of their prejudices in that arena, but Mexicans in general are very warm and open to meeting new people. Mainly they just have a history of indigenous groups and Europeans and all that comes with the mix of many cultures. - Mar 2009
Women are still treated as a second class citizen. I can say that without hesitation because this is my second expatriate assignment here. It is difficult to get things accomplished when dealing with school issues; however if the "Senor" has a school issue, resolution seems to be quicker. - Nov 2008
