Postcolonialism and Social Exclusion of Indigenous People in Mexico

Abstract

During the last decade, Mexico has experienced high levels of violence, and one of the most vulnerable groups has been the indigenous people. In this context, the present text aims to analyse the relationship between the legacies of colonialism and social exclusion of indigenous people in Mexico. The text is divided into three parts. The first part describes the main historical lines of the discrimination against the indigenous people. The second one considers the factors that have contributed to institutionalize, accept and reproduce social and economic inequality. The third one discusses the complexities of the social imaginary, which strengthen the discrimination. Finally, some comments to reduce inequality in Mexico.