Social Catholicism, Modern Consumption and the Culture Wars in Postrevolutionary Mexico City

Unleashed desire for consumer goods and a modern lifestyle were among the changes that swept across Mexico after, and partially as a result of, the revolution (1910-17). Consumer culture and modernity in postrevolutionary Mexico caused anxiety as well as delight, particularly because of the changes it threatened to bring to social mores, behaviour and gender roles. Catholic social groups were among those seeking to teach Mexicans how to consume everything from fashion to films while exhibiting good taste, good sense and strong moral rectitude. Moreover, the Catholic press attempted to create a space in which Catholics, especially women, could participate in modern consumption, advising its readers on which films were appropriate to view, which fashions did not offend morals and when it was a sin to wear make up. This article situates postrevolutionary adaptations to modernity within a long history of Catholic mediation of modernity within Mexico.