Late to Terminal Formative period political transformations and their household-level impact at Cerro Jazmín, Mixteca Alta, Oaxaca

•We present results of household excavations at Cerro Jazmin, Mixteca Alta, Mexico.•We investigate the household-level impact of sociopolitical changes.•We identified a shift from an exclusionary to a more collective government.•This shift took place from Late to Terminal Formative period (300 BCE to AD 300).•We describe four episodes of occupation and construction of the household complex.•These episodes correspond to the different political strategies adopted at the site.•Each episode reflects changes in economic activities and access to luxury items.•The household adapted itself and its economy to changing times ensuring its survival.