Historically, wealth and political and economic power in the countries of Middle and South America have been concentrated in the hands of a few. Globalization, economic modernization, and the transformation from rural to urban societies have not changed that reality, although recent shifts toward democratization are beginning to give more political power to the majority. Culturally, this region retains diverse influences from Europe, Africa, and indigenous peoples. Meanwhile, shifting gender roles and new religious movements are powerful agents of change.