During our travels and experiences in Mexico, my wife and I began to notice a recurring and compelling pattern: the remarkable presence of vibrant groups of young Mexican women. In various middle to upper-class settings across Mexico, we frequently encountered groups of eight to ten young women, often in restaurants, impeccably dressed, well-groomed, and radiating a palpable freshness and poise. It wasn’t uncommon for these groups to spontaneously break into song, their camaraderie and mutual support clearly evident. Their overall demeanor suggested a high-spiritedness and strong social bonds.
This observation stood in stark contrast to our perceptions of young women in the United States. In simple terms, young Mexican women appeared to be in a more positive and balanced state than their US counterparts. Judging by their appearance, conduct, and posture alone, Mexican women exhibited a greater sense of confidence and well-being.
To understand this further, let’s consider some demographic data courtesy of WorlData.info:
Mexico:
Median age: 29.3 years
Life expectancy: 75.1 years
United States:
Median age: 43.6 years
Life expectancy: 78.9 years
These figures highlight a significant age gap, with the average person in Mexico being over 13 years younger than in the US, while the life expectancy difference is less than four years. This demographic distinction suggests a fundamentally different societal orientation. A younger population naturally fosters a more optimistic and forward-looking culture, potentially creating a more nurturing environment for younger individuals, particularly young mexican women.
Our personal interactions have further reinforced this impression. We’ve had the privilege of working closely with two exceptional young Mexican women.
Señorita One, aged 25, is a vital part of my company, Best Mexico Movers. Initially joining as an intern while completing her international business degree, she impressed me from the start. Having already spent six months studying abroad in an English-speaking nation, her English fluency was exceptional. Her foundational education, in my assessment as a product of the Los Angeles Unified School District, appeared superior to my own, particularly in areas like English grammar. Señorita One demonstrates poise, articulateness, and effortless communication skills, even with older, more seasoned individuals. She adeptly manages interactions with clients (85% English-speaking), vendors (split English/Spanish), and truck drivers (80% Spanish-only), exhibiting consistent calm, confidence, and effectiveness. At just 25, she effectively manages the logistics of over 20 simultaneous moves.
Señorita Two, a 21-year-old, is assisting my wife with the complex technical aspects of our extensive home renovation project. She skillfully translated my wife’s vision into blueprints, elevation drawings, and detailed documentation. Señorita Two took initiative in contacting Mexican contractors, soliciting bids in Spanish, and translating the process for my wife and me. She adeptly manages video conferences with contractors and us, maintaining a consistently positive, polite, socially intelligent, and mature demeanor. She oversees daily work progress, mediates conflicts, provides direction, and keeps my wife and me informed about project status and payment schedules. Remarkably, she is only 21 years old.
It’s important to address potential misconceptions about gender dynamics in Mexico. Neither Señorita One, interacting with truck drivers, customs officials, and business owners, nor Señorita Two, working with construction contractors, government officials, and laborers, encounter any obstacles due to their age or gender. They are consistently treated with respect and their authority is acknowledged by older Mexican men. Their effectiveness is not hindered by societal biases related to being young or female.
Furthermore, while these young women are not from impoverished backgrounds, they are also not accustomed to lives of leisure. Their achievements are the result of hard work and dedication, instilling a strong sense of personal pride. Encouragingly, similar opportunities appear to extend to families with fewer resources in Mexico. Our housekeeper’s daughter, for instance, is fluent in English and pursuing professional education, mirroring the paths of Señorita One and Señorita Two.
What factors contribute to this observed difference in outcomes between young mexican women and young women in the US? While they share many similarities, key distinctions emerge in several influencing factors:
Stronger Family and Community Bonds:
Young mexican women often grow up in multigenerational households, with grandparents living nearby or within the same home. This, coupled with deeply ingrained family values and robust family connections in Mexico, provides a sense of rootedness and support that is often lacking for young women in the US. This close-knit family structure fosters a strong sense of belonging and stability, crucial for personal development and confidence.
Respect for Elders and Intergenerational Wisdom:
Young mexican women tend to value and respect the opinions of older generations to a greater extent than is commonly observed in the US. Both Señorita One and Señorita Two consistently seek advice from older individuals, drawing upon their experience and expertise. This contrasts sharply with a perceived trend in the US, where younger generations may be less inclined to seek or value the perspectives of elders. In Mexico, there’s a cultural appreciation for the wisdom that comes with age, fostering a learning environment where young women are open to guidance and mentorship.
Reduced Focus on Divisive Socio-Political Issues:
Young mexican women appear less preoccupied with issues of class, race, oppression, gender, and victimhood compared to their US counterparts. Mexican universities and broader culture seem to prioritize professional training, focusing on equipping students to become doctors, lawyers, engineers, and architects, rather than emphasizing social issue studies or extensive “general education” requirements. This focused approach allows Mexican students to enter their professions at a younger age with deep expertise. Señorita Two’s competence and knowledge at 21 exemplify this; were she in the US, she might still be exploring majors, while she is already deeply engaged in her field. Her education has been focused on practical skills and professional development, as seen in her participation in design competitions.
Less Existential Anxiety and More Optimism:
Young mexican women are less burdened by fears of imminent doom from climate change, overpopulation, or other “existential threats” that are often amplified in US discourse. In the US, young women are frequently exposed to narratives predicting a bleak future, potentially impacting their optimism and even contributing to declining birth rates. Mexican culture and education, in contrast, allow young people to focus on the present and future with less pervasive anxiety, enabling them to embrace young adulthood with greater freedom and hope.
In conclusion, the young mexican women we observed in restaurants and other public spaces, singing with friends and radiating joy, appear to hold a fundamentally optimistic view of their future. Their cultural context, characterized by strong family bonds, respect for elders, a focus on practical education, and less societal emphasis on existential threats, seems to foster a unique blend of confidence, resilience, and well-being. It suggests a cultural environment that empowers young mexican women to thrive and look forward to the future with genuine hope and enthusiasm.
