Describe the class structure of the Spanish Colonies and how each class was affected economically by this social structure

A societal hierarchy based on color remained in force. Indian women suffered sexual exploitation from Europeans, and the crown sponsored marriages in a society where there were few European women. The result was mestizo population possessing higher status than Indians. A similar process occurred in colonies with large African slave populations. American realities had created new social distinctions based on race and place of birth. Europeans were always at the top; African slaves and Indians occupied the bottom. Mestizos filled the intermediate categories. Distinctions grew between Spaniards born in Spain (peninsulares) and the New World (Creoles). Women were under male authority; upper-class women were confined to household occupations, but many from the lower class participated in the economy.