Topic 9: Godparents, Patrons, and Clients

In face-to-face classes, I typically start the discussion of patron-client and kinship networks with a discussion of the film, The Godfather.  The colonial patronage system was similar (well, without the gangland violence) to the relationships portrayed in the movie.

 

What can you ascertain about patron-client relationships from this clip? What does the patron, Don Corleone, get from this relationship?  It adds to his power base and prestige. What does the client get from this relationship - well to start with, he will get protection for his family. 

In this clip consider how a well-connected godparent can help a godchild get ahead in life.  This is a very serious relationship in Spanish America.  Once again, elite godparents expanded their social prestige by acting as godparents and helping their godchildren get started in a career or make a good marriage.  Of course, colonial godparents would hopefully employ more lawful means of helping their godchildren.