Muxes Documentary: Gender Identity, Subculture, and Religion in Zapotec Culture Essay

Key Sociological Themes Explored in the Film

Muxes is a short documentary film that focuses on a transgender group called muxes and examines such topics as gender identity, subculture, and the role of religion in the context of the Zapotec culture of Southern Mexico. Gender identity is a focal topic of the film as it discusses a group of people who identify as non-binary. Additionally, muxes comprise a distinct subculture that adheres to numerous norms within a greater culture. Lastly, the documentary discusses the influence of religion on the perception and acceptance of such groups.

Subculture Versus Culture: The Social Classification of the Muxes

The difference between a culture and a subculture is that the latter exists within the former, constituting a smaller group that operates under specific codes. According to Schaefer, subcultures are “segments of society that share distinctive patterns of customs, rules, and traditions that differ from the patterns of the larger society” (61). Muxes are most certainly an example of a subculture. They have to act according to specific rules that do not apply to the members of a larger community. For instance, muxes are not allowed to get married since having a partner is seen as sick and impure.

Social Roles Depicted in the Documentary on Muxe Life

As presented in the documentary, muxes have established social roles. One of those is bstinence from the institution of marriage, as muxes are accepted as long as they do not have a partner. Therefore, they usually end up fulfilling another role as family caregivers. Moreover, muxes occupy roles traditionally associated with women. These include working lower-paying jobs such as cooks, dressers, and dancers.

Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism in Cross-Cultural Encounters with Muxes

Due to cultural differences between US citizens and Mexicans, the former would likely associate a muxe with a person who conforms to a Western concept of a transgender person due to a poor understanding of cultural relativism. Additionally, ethnocentrism, a predisposition that one’s culture and way of life are superior to others, might affect Americans’ judgment (Schaefer 52). Americans perceive the disapproval of muxe marriage as discriminatory, as non-binary marriage is widely accepted on the legal level in the US.

Personal Reflection on the Film and the Definition of a Muxe

This documentary presented an entirely new concept that does not exist in American culture. It reflects how strongly gender norms and attitudes depend on culture and tradition. However, I think this film could have explored the lives and social roles of muxes more extensively. From the information provided in the film, it can be inferred that muxes are biological males who identify and act as women.

Work Cited

Schaefer, Richard T. Sociology: A Brief Introduction. McGraw-Hill, 2022.