Elites and Poverty in the Neoliberal Era: The Case of Mexico

Abstract

AbstractMexico is an upper‐middle‐income country, an OECD member, and the homeland of the richest man on earth, yet most Mexicans are poor. This article explores how Mexican elites perceive poverty and the poor, and how such perceptions are linked to particular policy preferences. Findings suggest that when Mexican elites talk about poverty, some things often remain unsaid. Mainstream perceptions of poverty were chiefly silent about power and inequality. In other words, depoliticized views of poverty seem to be prevailing among Mexican elites. This qualitative analysis contributes to understanding the specific nature of policies implemented to tackle this social problem in Mexico.