PROGRAM INFO
- Title:
- The Mutual Aid Societies
- Program #
- 1976-04
- Theme:
- Society
- Series:
- Social Issues
- Host:
- Richard Goodman
- Guest:
- Richard Goodman
- Date:
- Oct 7, 1976
The Mutual Aid Societies
Richard Goodman discusses how and why Mexican Americans formed mutual aid societies. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, when many Mexican Americans still lived in rural areas, life could be very precarious and insurance was a clear necessity. But because Anglo-owned insurance companies discriminated against them, they turned to each other and formed mutual aid societies. These societies were locally organized and run, although they could be part of larger chapters, and were not run for profit, as were the Anglo owned insurance companies. Instead all members received equal benefits for medical crisis, funerals or unemployment.
The societies’ funds came from monthly dues paid by each member and fundraisers held for families experiencing crisis. The organization itself provided financial assistance while individual members offered food and other support for member-families in need. While the inner-workings of the societies were often secret, they did create very strong bonds of community and loyalty.
KEYWORDS
DiscriminationInsurance
Mutual Aid Societies
Rural life
Sociedades mutualistas
Stereotypes