Civil Society and Attitudes: The Virtues of Character

Abstract

It is argued that the new globalized economy increasingly requires more specialized and better-trained individuals. Without adequate qualifications, it is extremely difficult to have a quality job, or even any job, in the new world market. Some cultures give a high value to formal education and the virtues of character that a long process of education require. On the other hand, traditional mainstream Mexican culture seems to be dysfunctional in terms of economic competition, because it does not put enough value on education and the virtues of character such as self-discipline and responsibility that a long process of schooling requires. The author concludes that if Mexicans desire to compete successfully in the new globalized economy, they require a cultural revolution.