Explore the forces and movements shaping contemporary Mexican politics and society In Mexico's
Unscripted Revolutions: Political and Social Change Since 1958 distinguished historian Stephen
Lewis offers a well-argued--and provocative--presentation of Mexico's recent unofficial
grassroots revolutions. The book explores generational change and youthful rebellion in the
1960s and the emergence of second-wave feminism in the 1970s. It also discusses Mexico's
uniquely protracted democratic transition initiated by the hegemonic Institutional
Revolutionary Party (PRI) but pushed forward at critical moments by ordinary citizens
opposition parties and even armed insurgencies. In clear accessible prose the author argues
that persistent inequality and authoritarian practices have hobbled Mexico's democratic
consolidation since 2000. He also provides coverage of the presidency of Andrés Manuel López
Obrador (2018-2024) who promised peaceful revolution but seemed nostalgic for a return to
Mexico's populist authoritarian past. Readers will also find: * A revealing examination of
racism and classism in Mexico which persist despite the state's celebration of the country's
Indigenous heritage and its promotion of biological and cultural mixing known as mestizaje. *
The provocative suggestion that democratization may have unwittingly contributed to the surge
in cartel-related violence. * A timely chronicle of how women took advantage of the democratic
opening to push for gender quotas in politics which has produced gender parity today in the
national congress and in state legislatures. * An overview of Mexico's surprising and growing
religious diversity both within the Catholic Church and without. Perfect for undergraduate
students studying Mexican and Latin American history and politics Mexico's Unscripted
Revolutions: Political and Social Change Since 1958 will also benefit students in Latin
American Studies political science anthropology religious studies and women's studies and
laypersons with an interest in contemporary Mexico.
