Mexican Culture: Family Traditions

Within each society lies a distinct set of family traditions, values, and roles. When it comes to Mexican culture, family dynamics are deeply rooted in a foundation of unity and core values. Interestingly, the crude divorce rate in Mexico is the 4^th lowest in the world, according to the OECD Family Database.

Hierarchy

There is a strong structure of hierarchy in traditional Mexican families. This is especially prevalent in smaller Mexican communities located outside of the cities, where families are typically very large. Family members tend to be very conscious when it comes to the needs of other family members, and their responsibilities. Typically, there are clearly-defined roles for mothers, fathers and children within a household.

Mothers and Fathers:

Typically, fathers are the head of the family’s household and are the primary decision-makers. Mothers are described as the family’s “heart,” staying at home, taking care of the cooking, cleaning, and children.

Children:

Children in traditional Mexican family culture learn their roles from their mother and father, and therefore become a reflection of their parents. While both girls and boys are held to a very high standard of family honor, girls usually have to follow much more strict rules, while boys have a little more freedom.

It is not uncommon for children to continue living within their parent’s house until they get married. This remains true even if they are single well into adulthood.

Generational Ties

In traditional Mexican culture, the whole family unit usually stays very closely connected; generations of families will typically live very close in proximity, or even within the same household. Decisions regarding relationships, education, money, etc. are typically made as a whole family. For example, a child’s parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles may all participate in the child’s doctor’s appointments and even have a say in how the child will be cared for. Grandmother’s in particular play a huge part in how their grandchildren are raised.

Loyalty

Mexican family culture is known for its loyalty and honour amongst one another. “Familismo” is a term describing the value of family over individual needs within Mexican families.  Mexicans view their families as an essential safety net of help and protection. Family is the number one priority, and loyalty is exercised no matter what the circumstance.

Mexican family culture holds very strong family ties and is deeply rooted in tradition, honor and loyalty. Mexicans hold onto the belief that “unity is strength,” and family comes first.

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