Individualismo y colectivismo: caracterización y diferencias entre dos localidades mexicanas

Abstract

Individualism and collectivism are considered dichotomous cultural syndromes that characterize members of a country and they can be reflected on national identity. An individualistic culture is characterized by promote independence and autonomy; by other hand, a collectivistic culture promotes interdependence between person and his/her reference group, in these cultures the group necessities are most important that the individual's ones. However, the geopolitical boundaries between countries not contemplate the differences between history, social norms and practices, or cultural particularities between localities and counties. For example between Mexico City and Guanajuato which have, in theory, antagonistic politic tendencies: Guanajuato is considered an ultraconservative region in Mexico, while Mexico City is known for the opening to discuss themes as abortion's legalization for free election or same-sex marriage; Mexico City is related with left political ideology. In a conservative context, is more common to be agree with traditional ideology about roles for men and women. In this way, men and women can internalized individualism and collectivisms different. The aim of this paper is determined characteristics of individualism and collectivism in two Mexican regions as well as in men and women. It was atended by 420 men and women of the Valley of Mexico and the state of Guanajuato. Results show that the Mexican population as a whole, shows characteristics of individualism and collectivism; there are significant differences on three of ten factors by region. In all of them, the mean is upper to theoretical mean. In Guanajuato, people show higher values of independence and freedom, but, at same time, they report high levels of familism related to obedience. About gender differences, the sample of women in Guanajuato shows higher levels of individualism in comparison with other groups. The findings are discussed on the relevant literature. For subsequent studies is important include variables as scholar level, socioeconomic level, and attitudes about their referential and comparison groups.