Jewish Out-Marriage: Mexico and Venezuela

Publication Date: December 2003

Publisher: Hadassah-Brandeis Institute

Author(s): Sergio DellaPergola

Research Area: Culture and religion; Social conditions

Keywords: Communal organization; Intermarriage; Demography

Type: Other

Coverage: Mexico Venezuela

Abstract:

The Mexican and Venezuelan Jewish communities of the second half of the 20th century represent successful examples of richly structured, attractive and resilient Latin American Jewish communities in a comparatively stable political environment. The data indicate that overall stability in the Jewish community, including a viable framework of educational and leisure facilities, stands behind the prevailing low frequencies of out-marriage. On the other hand, rapid upward social mobility and movement towards suburban residential locations seem to be weakening the intensity of social interaction within the community and increasing outwards integration. Furthermore, increasing emigration may be facilitating out-marriage by reducing the numbers of potential Jewish marriage partners.