Two Different Societies, Mexico Vs Spain

Luis Daniel Ruiz Lozano

Instructor Demir

ESL 140-002

6 October 2016

Two Different Societies, Mexico vs Spain

Have you ever visited another country and realized that adapting to a new culture is not that easy? Mexico and Spain are two Spanish speaking countries, and probably most people will think that both cultures are similar, while the truth is that Mexican and Spanish culture are very different. Although Spain conquered Mexico; The Mexican culture has more traditions and life style of the origin of Mexico than the conquering age. We can see it in the contrast of the cuisine styles, the different government forms (monarchy and republic) and the education system structure.    

The differences between Mexican food and Spanish food are pronounced. Even though Mexico was conquered by Spain, its food maintained its indigenous style. Whereas the main ingredients of Mexican food are corn, rice and beans; Spanish dishes have a Mediterranean style and use fish, garlic, cured meats and fresh vegetables. Spanish gastronomy is a fusion of diversity of styles and cultural influence. For example, Spain was conquered by the Phoenicians, Roman Empire, the Visigoths, and the Napoleonic Empire. In contrast to Mexican gastronomy that is native tradition plus many different flavors. For example, the dish carnitas con mole is spicy, sweet and salty at the same time.   

         The differences between governments are clear. Whereas Mexico is a Democratic Republic with one president elected every six years without a chance of reelection; Spain is a constitutional monarchy, the king is the head of the state. However, Spain also has a president elected every four years (Whittaker 318). The president of Spain directs the executive power and supervises the congress, while the king enacts and sanctions the Spanish laws, and selects the president (Esteban). Mexico is divided in states, cities and towns, while Spain has provinces, municipalities and autonomous communities. Spain has the common Europe government structure, contrasted with Mexico that has a similar government structure to United States.    

Despite bearing some minor structural similarities, the differences between Mexican and Spanish education are remarkable. Both countries have almost the same formal structure for education, for example, Mexico and Spain have Primary, Secondary and Higher/Technical Secondary (“Spain: Structure”). Compulsory education in Mexico is from kindergarten to Higher/Technical education, 4 to 18 years old. In contrast with Spain, compulsory education is from Primary to Secondary education, 6 to 16 years old. In Spain school commonly starts at 9 am and end at 2 pm, while in Mexico school hours are from 7 am to 1 or 2 pm.