Social stratification and mobility in Guatemala

Abstract

This article deals with two vital components of a country's social structure: social stratification and social mobility. It examines the social structure of Guatemala, adapting for this purpose two approaches to social class that are often used in studies dealing with the issue. The aim is to delineate the Guatemalan social pyramid, showing not so much classes as rough strata based on employment data. Statistical analysis of data from a living conditions survey is used to provide information about social mobility with a view to illustrating educational and occupational mobility in the country. The results indicate a pyramid-shaped social structure and low educational and occupational mobility when children are compared with their parents. They also show that mobility opportunities differ between the sexes and between ethnic groups.