Leadership and Change in Two Mexican Villages

Abstract

This paper focuses on certain aspects of social change, particularly economic development, social classes, leadership and political organization. In one village economic development was found to promote economic differentials and lead to the development of social classes. The newly-arisen wealthier class united into a cohesive group and assumed leadership roles. This cohesive group then initiated change projects, mobilized community support and participation, and successfully completed the projects. The group also manifested the ability to deal effectively and cope with external influences seeking to control local decision making. The second village showed few signs of economic development, little social class distinction, no cohesive leadership group and very limited ability to initiate change or deal with outside influences. Inferred from this research is the significant role of economic development and cohesive local leadership in the process of social change. Two temporal (and possibly causal) sequences are proposed.