46 CultureShock! Chile
widespread assumption that a member of a successful family
will naturally excel.
Although some may complain about the power and wealth
of the elite, the average Chilean would much rather join that
sector than see it destroyed.New Money
While ‘old money’ maintains its status, a new group is trying
to earn the same recognition and respect as it jumps into
the higher income bracket. As barriers to social mobility are
broken down, the children of middle-class (and sometimes
even lower-class) families have moved to the top of their
fields and are enjoying the accompanying wealth. This group,
in general, earns their money from the ‘new’ professions,
primarily those in the financial and service sectors, or as
industrialists and business leaders.Elegant houses located in the sprawling suburbs at the base of the mountains
in Santiago refl ect the country’s growing wealth and sophistication.