A new study reveals that in Mexico darker skin is strongly associated with decreased wealth and less schooling

Race is the single most important determinant of a Mexican citizen’s economic and educational attainment. In Mexico, people with white skin complete more years of schooling than those with browner skin – 10 years versus 6.5. That’s a stunning 45% gap in educational achievement between the darkest- and lightest-skinned Mexicans. The average Mexican household income in the study was about US$193 a month. Citizens with lighter skin reported bringing in more than that – on average, $220 a month. Darker-skinned citizens, on the other hand, earned just $137 – 41.5% less than their white compatriots. Overall, populations identified as having the lightest skin fall into the highest wealth brackets in Mexico, while those with the darkest skin are concentrated at the bottom. Only 2.5% of white Mexicans surveyed don’t have running water, while upwards of 11% of dark-skinned citizens lack this basic necessity. Likewise, just 7.5% of white Mexicans reported lacking an in-home bathroom, versus 20% of dark-skinned Mexicans.