Technology and innovation in a Mexican village

• Main Author: Winnington, Terence Leslie
• Published: University of Edinburgh 1979
• Subjects: 337
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.663954

This thesis outlines the history of Mexico with particular reference to the economic conditions prevailing in the rural areas. The results are presented here of a village study which was carried out in Central Mexico; particular emphasis has been placed on the technologies used and the human and other factors associated with them. A co-operative in the village is compared with other forms of co-operative organization found in Mexico, or elsewhere, and common features identified. Some of the factors which affect innovation in the village are described and possible explanations for the existence of limiting factors are suggested. The concluding discussion draws together features of the villagers' behaviour and argues that their rationality has a proven survival value and that their caution when confronted with pressures to change is well justified. The thesis concludes by tentatively extending the findings beyond the boundaries of this particular village and suggests how they may have a wider significance.