Shifting Tides: The Impact of Social Change on Mexico's Upper Middle Class

The "Gringo Go Home" Psyop Pt. 2

Earlier this year, I published an article exploring the reasons behind the "Gringo Go Home" signs and their connection to housing problems in Mexico. I would like to provide further elaboration on this issue.

In Mexico, the dynamics of class and social change are becoming increasingly prominent in today's rapidly modernizing society. The impact of this transformation is most felt not among the lower class, but rather within what was traditionally considered the 'upper middle class.' This group, which can also be viewed as a form of the former 'upper middle class,' is facing the brunt of the changes.

One aspect to understand is that Mexican society is inherently classist. The socioeconomic hierarchy has been deeply ingrained, and it's these traditional notions of class that are now being disrupted by technological advancements and evolving ideologies.

In this shifting landscape, there are individuals with "upper middle class" backgrounds who, for generations, have not needed to actively participate in the workforce. They have relied on a Latin American version of nepotism, where family connections and wealth have provided them with a comfortable life.

However, the rapid pace of technological advancement in Mexico is challenging this status quo. These individuals are often unprepared for the changes that are unfolding. They have historically relied on the lower class to perform many of the labor-intensive tasks, and they may resist the idea of those from lower income backgrounds rising into higher income classes.

One significant example of this class division can be seen in the banking sector. A substantial portion of the Mexican population doesn't have a bank account due to a lack of financial education and limited options. However, the emergence of numerous domestic and foreign startups in the financial sector is changing this landscape. These startups are making banking more accessible and are helping people access credit and financial services. They are also creating jobs that offer higher salaries compared to traditional positions.

As a result, individuals with lower incomes are gaining access to both higher income and better education, thus allowing them to compete with the traditional middle and upper classes. This increased competition makes it more challenging for all individuals, including those from more privileged backgrounds, to secure and maintain employment as they have in the past.

This transformation and the associated challenges are reflected in the notable use of "gringo go home" signs in English. These signs symbolize more a resistance to the changing societal dynamics, than the actually arrival for foreigners. They can be seen as a reaction to the evolving power balance and the competition that has emerged in the job and housing market. This issue is further exacerbated by the fact that Mexico's corruption has not adequately addressed how to provide housing for the increasing population.

As a relevant example, the 2018 movie "Roma," directed and written by Alfonso Cuarón, provides insight into the changing landscape. Set in the early 1970s in Mexico City, the film primarily follows the life of Cleo, a domestic worker for an upper-middle-class family. The film portrays the complex relationships within the family and the challenges faced by Cleo, such as an unplanned pregnancy and the societal and political turmoil of that time.

While the film focuses on Cleo's life as a domestic worker, it also indirectly highlights the stark contrast in the lifestyles of different classes. The family Cleo works for lives relatively comfortably, even when faced with personal challenges, like the husband running off with his mistress. This depiction mirrors the historical reality for many people living in upper-class neighborhoods, where domestic workers like Cleo did much of the work for minimal pay, allowing the privileged families to enjoy a certain lifestyle without significant daily struggles.

This traditional dynamic is shifting rapidly. The signs of "gringo go home" in English and the changing socioeconomic landscape reflect the broader transformation taking place in Mexican society. As individuals from lower income backgrounds gain influence and access to opportunities, the traditional boundaries of class are blurring, and the Mexican social hierarchy is undergoing a profound change.

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