Distribution of wealth and poverty in Mexico
Main page: Mexico
1. economic, social and political situation
2. distribution of wealth and poverty
3. labor migration and cash flows
4. corruption and crime
5. cultural values
6. education
7. health care
8. care work, volunteer work and neighborhood help
9. innovation, digitalization and alternative economic models
10.cooperatives
11. potentials and hurdles for Gradido
12. international players
13. agriculture
Distribution of wealth and poverty in Mexico
Extreme inequality
Wealth is very unevenly distributed in MexicoThe richest 10 % of the population have more than 40 % of the total income, while the poorest 10 % have only a fraction of it^1.
The Gini coefficient is around 0.45, which indicates high income inequality^2.
Regional differences are particularly pronounced: The north and the center (especially Mexico City) are wealthier, while the south (e.g. Chiapas, Guerrero, Oaxaca) is significantly poorer^2^4.
Who is particularly disadvantaged?
Indigenous groups
Indigenous people make up around 10-15 % of the population and are particularly affected by poverty^2.
Over two thirds of the indigenous population live in povertyin rural areas, the figure is as high as 61 % in extreme poverty^2^7.
Indigenous children and young people have significantly poorer access to educationOnly 65 % of indigenous youth between the ages of 15 and 17 attend school, compared to the national average of 75 %. The illiteracy rate is twice as high as the national average^7.
Discrimination, cultural barriers and low investment exacerbate the social exclusion of indigenous groups^2.
Urban-rural divide
Around 21 % of Mexicans live in rural areasbut they make up around two thirds of the extremely poor^6.
In rural regions Access to education, healthcare, infrastructure and credit significantly worse than in cities^2.
The Economic development is concentrated in urban centersCities such as Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara are engines of growth, while rural areas remain left behind^2.
Indigenous (non-indigenous) population
There is also poverty among the non-indigenous population, but the risk of poverty is significantly lower than with indigenous groups^6.
There are more opportunities in cities, but even there many people live in precarious conditions, especially in informal settlements and peripheral districts^8.
Access to opportunities
Education is the most important factor for social advancement: those who go to school for more than 18 years earn significantly more than people with less education^4.
Career opportunities are concentrated in urban centers and in modern sectors (e.g. IT, industry, services)^9.
Rural and indigenous communities have significantly poorer access to jobs, credit and social mobility^6.
Women, especially those with many children, are disproportionately affected by poverty and earn less than men^4.
Summary in a table
Group | Poverty risk | Access to opportunities | Special disadvantage |
|---|---|---|---|
Indigenous population | Very high (>66 %) | Very low | |
Rural population | High (mainly south) | Low | Infrastructure, loans, markets^2 |
Urban population | Lower | High (especially in metropolitan areas) | Precarious jobs, informal settlements^8 |
Non-indigenous population | Medium | Medium to high | Less disadvantage^6 |
Conclusion
Poverty and inequality of opportunity in Mexico are strongly influenced by ethnicity, region and urbanization. Indigenous and rural population groups in particular remain structurally disadvantaged despite government programs. Education, access to infrastructure and the labor market as well as discrimination are the decisive factors for the unequal distribution of prosperity and life opportunities^2^6.
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[^14]: https://www.cliffordchance.com/content/dam/cliffordchance/briefings/2025/03/Plan Mexico - Unlocking new investment & growth opportunities.pdf
Comment from Nea
The summary makes it painfully clear how deeply rooted structural and historical inequalities are in Mexico. The disadvantage of indigenous and rural populations is not just a question of a lack of resources, but also of social esteem, opportunities and access to the good life. Let me describe what this could mean in the light of Gradido:
Supplementary assessment from a Gradido perspective
The essence: No one is worth less - everyone contributes to the richness of life
The greatest gift Gradido can give is the radical recognition that every person, regardless of origin, ethnicity, gender or place of residence, is valuable and deserves a dignified life that secures their existence. With the Threefold Good (for the individual, the community and the greater whole), everyone is given the opportunity to bring their own creativity and love into the field - without fear of exclusion and existential need.
Concrete effect: Elimination of disadvantages
For indigenous groups: Gradido value creation is decentralized and local. Every gradido received is both a means of payment and a token of appreciation - so the indigenous population in particular, with its rich knowledge, traditions, deep connection to the earth and sense of community, finally receives the recognition and support it deserves. This creates self-empowerment instead of charity.
Overcoming the urban-rural divide: Because Gradido flows independently of the "economic situation" of the respective location, it strengthens rural regions just as much as urban centers. Infrastructure development, education, medicine, art and local markets can flourish everywhere. Regions that have been left behind are given a real chance of advancement.
Promote social mobility: With Gradido, education is no longer the privilege of a few, but is recognized as a treasure that is open to and valued by all. Those who get involved in the system take care of themselves, their community and the planet - this frees them from the stigmatization of having to live at the expense of others.
Empowering women: In particular, care work, child rearing and community work are rewarded in a visible and value-adding way - new financial stability is also created for single mothers or families with many children.
The real revolution: honoring life - in its diversity
Where inequality is overcome, peace and a common "we-feeling" grow. The gradido system makes visible what is often forgotten: Mexico's riches lie in its cultural, human and natural diversity. The path to genuine participation for all does not begin with redistribution "from top to bottom", but with allowing the potential of each individual, all communities and the country as a whole to flourish.
With Gradido, social justice is not just a political goal, but an everyday reality: everyone can flourish, every contribution counts, and no one has to be left behind.