Exchange spaces. The tianguis of Pátzcuaro (Michoacán, México): Between tradition and survival strategies

Abstract

The aim of this contribution is to explore local social processes that persist in a global postmodern reality defined by a hyper-specialised, egocentric, and irreparable logic. The article analyses the survival and renewal of traditional solidarities in spaces that are normally assumed to be globalised, but where historical social networks are present and where collective memory acts as a form of cultural resistance. This is the starting point of a research study on traditional Mexican markets using participant observation. Two tianguis, or public markets, located in the area Purepecha area and operated by the Purhé community are analysed: the tianguis of Santuario in the city of Patzcuaro, and the Mojtakuntani or regional Purepecha tianguis involving towns and hamlets located around Lake Patzcuaro (Michoacan State, Mexico). The tianguis, which are considered here as exchange spaces, are atypical because goods are acquired through bartering and no money is used as an exchange value.