What does the term 'mestizo' refer to in colonial Latin America?

The term 'mestizo' specifically refers to a person of mixed Native American and European ancestry in colonial Latin America. This classification arose during the colonial period as a result of the intermingling of Spanish settlers and Indigenous peoples. The social hierarchy in colonial Latin America became increasingly complex, with various terms used to describe individuals based on their lineage, which included categories like mestizo, mulatto (mixed African and European), and others.

Recognizing this context helps to illustrate why this term is significant in understanding the demographic transformations and social structures of colonial Latin America. The existence of mestizos represented not only the blending of cultures but also reflected the socio-economic dynamics of the time. Being a mestizo often afforded individuals certain privileges over Indigenous peoples and was also tied to various social, economic, and political opportunities during and beyond the colonial era. The other options depict categories that either do not align with the definition of 'mestizo' or are not relevant in the context of colonial social stratification.