Overcoming Social Inequality in Mexico

Abstract

The presented study examines certain aspects of Mexico’s social policy from the 19th century to the implementation of the key programs of the 2019-2024 National Development Plan.Aim. The study aims to identify the major causes and find solutions to one of the main problems of social development in Mexico - social stratification.Tasks. The authors determine the sequence of historical, political, and economic actions that have influenced social inequality; examine the factors that have led to social stratification; analyzestatistics pertaining to reforms; examine the programs of Mexico’s 2019-2024 National Development Plan.Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition to identify social development trends in Mexico’s socio-economic policy and the underlying internal and external factors, and to analyze the directions of the programs of Mexico’s 2019-2024 National Development Plan.Results. Social inequality in Mexico can be traced back to medieval times. Since the 19th century, oppressed people have been openly asserting their social standing. Significant social stratification and an overwhelming number of poor people with little education cannot resist the country’s political system. There is constant pressure from foreign countries, particularly from the United States, on the political order of Mexico through the promotion of foreign standards aimed at deriving profit for other countries and the Mexican elite. The country’s domestic regulation is carried out in the context of limited wage growth, lack of a progressive taxation system, and disparate accessibility of social benefits for different population groups. Since the beginning of the 21st century, introduction of socially oriented programs has reduced social inequality, but it remains too high in comparison with developed and developing countries.Conclusions. A study of the country’s socio-economic policy since the 19th century reveals features that are specific to Mexico: a very high level of corruption and criminality, social stratification with an overwhelming number of low-income people and general marginalization hinder the country’s social development and economic growth. The middle class is poorly developed and cannot provide the domestic consumption necessary for the stable development of Mexico and reduction of the country’s dependence on its trading partners. Population support measures are ineffective in the context of the established way of life.