Final Examination Spring 2004

Instructions:

Your paper is due no later than 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 6th, at Prof. Kemper’s office. (NOTE: The examination essays will be considered "late" starting at 2:30 p.m. on May 6th. Late papers may be penalized up to one letter grade for any part of a 24-hour period beginning at 2:30 p.m. on May 6th.)

Answer one (1) question in each section of the exam. Write approx. 4 to 5 pages (1,000 to 1,250 words) for each answer. Please do your own work, follow the SMU Honor Code, and submit printed (computer or typewritten) double-spaced originals for each answer. Put your name and Student I.D. (handwritten and printed) on the back of the last sheet of each answer. Label and staple the answers separately – i.e., according to the section and question. Note: you need not do any research beyond the course readings and other course-related materials to achieve a top grade.

SECTION 1

Question A

"The system of patron-client relationships touches everyone in Mexico -- from the residents of the most affluent gated communities in Mexico City to peasant farmers living in the poorest villages in Chiapas to families struggling to survive in squatter settlements outside of Tijuana, Baja California."

What are the implications of this statement for social life in Mexico? How is this system of patron-client relationships manifested in kinship and ritual kinship (compadrazgo) structures? What are the consequences of patron-client relationships in economics and politics within Mexico, and beyond? Be sure to cite materials covered in class lectures, videos, readings, etc.

Question B

Since the 1950s, tourism has emerged as a major "industry" in Mexican life, not only in "traditional" communities (e.g., Mexico City, Acapulco, Morelia, Tzintzuntzan) but also in "new" places (e.g., Cancún, Ixtapa, Huatulco). Discuss the impact of tourism on Mexican culture and society in recent decades, with special attention to: (1) different "types" of tourism and (2) different "categories" of tourists. Be sure to cite materials covered in class lectures, videos, readings, etc.

SECTION 2

Question A

In the twentieth century, Mexico's population not only has increased dramatically but also has redistributed itself within and beyond the national borders. Using data from INEGI (on the CDs at the ISEM Library and/or on the course website at: INEGI_list_population_statistics.htm), document and discuss three (3) major transformations in Mexico's population in the twentieth century. Give attention to major trends at the national level and at the state (or regional -- i.e., groups of states) level. In the light of the INEGI data and the course readings, lectures, and videos, discuss how and why contemporary Mexico 2000 differs from (or still resembles) Mexico in the year 1900.

Question B

In the twentieth century, migration has been a significant theme in Mexican life, not only within but also beyond the national borders. Using data from INEGI (on the CDs at the ISEM Library and/or on the course website at: INEGI_list_population_statistics.htm), document and discuss the role of migration in transforming Mexico. Give attention to major trends at the national level, at the state (or regional -- i.e., groups of states) level, and at the local community level. In the light of the INEGI data and the course readings, lectures, and videos, discuss the consequences of migration for the people and society of Mexico during the twentieth century.