Mayan Visions: The Quest for Autonomy in an Age of Globalization

by Nash,June C.

• ISBN13: 9780415928618
• ISBN10: 0415928613
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2001-08-08
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

A significant work by one of anthropology's most important scholars, this book provides an introduction to the Chiapas Mayan community of Mexico, better known for their role in the Zapatista Rebellion. June Nash updates the status of this centuries-old confrontation as well as presents a fascinating examination of how the Chiapas, as a governing entity, are entering into the New World Order. Using the Chiapas as a case study of the effects and possibilities of globalization Nash views the Zapatista Rebellion as one expression of the Maya's attempts to remain true to their culture in the face of the extraordinary changes taking place in Mexico today. At issue here are the competing influences of Western modernity and the cultural traditions of the Chiapas-ideas about governing, identity, cultural traditions, and communal obligations are all at stake. Based on over 40 years studying the Chiapas, Nash argues that this famous indigenous group has much to tell us about autonomy, nationality andglobalization. Within a global economy, the Chiapas challenge for autonomy can be seen as a model for redefining ethnic group relations and the development process within Mexico, the hemisphere and our global society.

Table of Contents

Preface	xi
Acknowledgments	xxi
Acronyms and Abbreviations	xxiii
Indigenous Counterplots to Globalization Processes	1	(30)
Indigenous Communities: Uneasy Alliances with Empire and Nation	31	(46)
Exodus from Communities: Genesis of Indigenous Culture in Regional and National Spaces	77	(42)
Radical Democratic Mobilization, 1994 --- 1996	119	(40)
Civil Society in Crisis: The Contest for Peace and Justice, 1995---2000	159	(60)
Pluricultural Survival in the Global Ecumene	219	(36)
Glossary	255	(4)
Notes	259	(16)
References Cited	275	(18)
Index	293