Living among social mandates: The challenges of being a woman in Mexico

Living among social mandates: The challenges of being a woman in Mexico, is a research commissioned to delaO design studio by the feminist collective Fieras Fierras to identify stereotypes or expectations imposed on women in Mexico that shape social dynamics, as well as their origin, effects, and consequences. The aim was to provide a better understanding of the problem and to invite reflection on the current situation of women in Mexico. 

Our process focused on analyzing the different spheres of women's lives through existing knowledge and breaking down the sociocultural constructs and beliefs that influence each. Various statistical data, sociocultural studies, and academic and journalistic articles were collected, synthesized, and analyzed, resulting in an understanding of the system presented in this report. Additionally, the studio carried out a co-creative workshop with some members of the Fieras Fierras collective to validate and deepen the results of the research. In this workshop, a series of activities were carried out through worksheets where the participants could discuss the information obtained and even look for possible action points to share the findings or promote change.

The social preconceptions identified were categorized into three thematic axes: Devotion and Sacrifice, Division of Labor, and Objectification of Women. These axes encompass the social mandates with the most significant influence and impact on women's lives and, in turn, are intrinsically interconnected. This study suggests that it is exceptionally complex for Mexican women to break with these social preconceptions due to systemic, violent, and psychological factors. Sorority and collectivity generated by groups and organizations are some of the few resources Mexican society counts on to eradicate these stereotypes and effect tangible change.

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