THE SPANISH CASTE SYSTEM

EQ: How was Colonial Latin America organized socially, politically, and economically?

Casta Paintings

This painting explains the various racial mixes in Colonial Latin American society.

When Spanish and Portuguese colonies were established in Central and South America a caste system was formed

One’s social class was directly tied to how “pure” his blood was and his place of birth

The kings wanted to keep the colonies under their control and only have “loyal” people in office

COLONIAL LATIN AMERICA CASTE SYSTEM

The Roman Catholic Church One’s caste was assigned

at their baptism Determined rank in society

Types of jobs, land ownership

Gender roles were developed for social organization Provided basic order for

Latin American society Women essentially property

of men Upper class women could

not work Lower class women would

often work outside of home

WHO CREATED THE CASTA SYTEM?

Latin America is/was considered a “patriarchal” society Male dominated Most power – social and

economicMain supporter of the

family Formal education Full participation in the

government Depending on social caste

WHAT WERE THE TRADITIONAL ROLES OF MEN IN LATIN AMERICA?

Women’s role in Latin American society was that of a “Care-giver” Managed the homeRaised the childrenCared for the elderly

No Formal Education No participation in

government

WHAT WERE THE TRADITIONAL ROLES OF WOMEN IN LATIN

AMERICA?

Due to experience of colonization, Latin America will be forever changed Persistent racial

inequality Deep divisions

between rich and poor

Deep division between genders

HOW DID COLONIZATION AFFECT LATIN AMERICA?

https://animoto.com/play/916P6VrPPrXEGVb6lWRs7g

EFFECTS OF THE CASTE SYSTEM

CASTE SYSTEM BY RACE/MIX

“Pure Blood”From Spain or PortugalHighest social classOnly class which could hold high office (church, military, administrative)

Spain wanted to keep loyalty of Colonial leaders

PENINSULARES

Born in Americas, pure Euro ancestry

Land-OwningEliteCould not hold highest positionsIn 1800s will rebel against peninsulares in wars of independence

CREOLOES

Of Spanish and Indigenous descentSpanish and Portuguese men married native

women and had families (and raped)

MESTIZOS

Amerinidian and African descent

MULATTOES AND ZAMBOS

Many Africans were brought over from Africa to the colonies as slaves

Some of these Africans would escape from a plantation and find their way to native villages

Natives were usually sympathetic to the African people

AFRICANS

There were various levels in society, in between main groups, based on fractions of blood

Castizos – ¾ European no more than ¼ Amerindian

Discriminated against by higher classes

FRACTIONS BY FRACTIONS