The Measure of Traditionalism in Different States of Mexico

The aim of the present study was to identify how traditional beliefs and norms still permeate and direct present-day interactions within the family and couple setting. Following such purpose, a 28 item scale was derived regarding beliefs and norms related to reproduction, gender roles, sexual orientation, addictions, extramarital relations primordially. The items were answered by 1625 subjects from different states (Female=51.3%), the last level of education achieved by the majority of the sample was middle school (42%), thus mimicking a more representative Mexican sample. After item discrimination analyses, the internal structure of the scale with the 16 remaining items was evaluated using an Exploratory Factor Analysis that resulted in two dimensions. The first factor was named Traditionalism and is related to inflexible beliefs and norms pertaining to homosexuality, reproduction and gender roles. The second factor was named Libertarianism given that it measures openness in beliefs and norms. It is relevant to point out how these two factors are not mutually exclusive or opposites, they coexist within the mind of the Mexican population. Posterior comparisons between states (Sonora, Monterrey, Sinaloa, Tabasco and Mexico City) were carried out in order to identify specific variability between states regarding the dependent variable, finding Hidalgo to be the most traditional state F(5,1595)=11.75**. The total internal validity of the scale was measured to be α=.81