Redes aristocráticas mexicanas a principios del siglo XX en Álbum de Damas. Revista quincenal ilustrada (1907)

Abstract

The porfiriato was a period of great economic growth in Mexico. Socially this prosperity was reflected, among other things, in the great parties and events held by and for the families belonging to the most privileged upper classes. On the other hand, during this period there was also a boom in the production of print media, particularly magazines aimed at housewives members of the Mexican aristocracy. One of these magazines was Álbum de Damas, published between January 1907 and July 1908, which included a section describing the main social events of the upper classes. The objective of this article is to analyze the aristocratic networks reflected in the section Ecos sociales de la quincena, of the above mentioned magazine. This analysis was performed in the 24 issues published in 1907. A general analysis of this magazine is revealing as to its intention, which was similar to that of other contemporary magazines dedicated to women: to educate Mexican women according to a model that would fulfill the appropriate roles for the nation and for the development of the future citizens who would serve their homeland. Focusing the analysis on the social section of the magazine presents us with a whole new perspective, because through the analysis of networks, very revealing connections in terms of social life, politics, status, influences of power, and economy made themselves visible. Comprehending these connections provides us with an alternative approach to understand the economic and political dynamics of these classes, responsible (perhaps indirectly) of setting the country’s agenda.