Towards culture and education: Mutual associations in Puebla (1870-1890)

Abstract

This article reviews the role that mutual associations play in the daily life of workers. Based on a documentary methodology with a historical approach, the events of the past are analyzed and the importance of factory work and its associative forms is realized. Among the objectives of mutual institutions was to guarantee temporary relief to their wounded or sick supporters and, sometimes, also to ensure them a pension. In general, they granted (in case of inability to work) daily compensation, medical care and medication; In case of death, they paid funeral expenses. On the one hand, they were charitable societies that replaced public charity and private alms with mutual and voluntary aid. In summary, the functions of the mutual societies were mainly economic, by providing aid to sick members through a general fund and aid to the family of the mutual members in the event of death; However, they also had a social component, through the creation of schools and the celebration of civic and religious festivals.