Begging in a Southeastern Mexican City

Abstract

Modes of begging and attitudes of patrons or clients are examined in the cathedral city of San Cristobal, Chiapas, Mexico. Figures are given for ethnic composition, age and sex distribution, and physical condition of San Cristobal beggars. Interviews identified factors that cause one to adopt begging—temporary unemployment, physical incapacity, family poverty, lack of family, and dissatisfaction with the few existing church and city welfare agencies. The city's tradition of benevolence and lack of welfare institutions have combined to attract beggars from the surrounding highlands. But while economically profitable, begging on the street causes extreme social stigma.