Indigenous people's historical background and their current participation within the Mexican educational system and society

The intent of this study is to explore and analyze the historical facts that have subjugated indigenous people, their knowledge, culture and values in Mexico during the colonial period and what has been the role of education in perpetuating colonial legacies. The Spanish conquest in Mexico deeply transformed Mesoamerican civilizations by developing different methods of exploitation as well as the imposition of colonial institutions. However, colonial practices relied on complex ideological mechanisms of power that are analyzed through postcolonial theory in order to better understand how reality is socially constructed, rather than inherently assumed. Regarding education, this study portrays how education has been used to perpetuate social inequalities by excluding and marginalizing indigenous people in Mexico. In doing so, this thesis attempts to raise inquiry about social reality and the core educational issues that are at stake in developing educational policies and practices. Thus, it is expected that this study will contribute in shaping different educational avenues for social change.