The Struggle for Indigenous Rights in Latin America

by Postero, Nancy Grey; Zamosc, Leon

• ISBN13: 9781845190637
• ISBN10: 1845190637
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-09-01
• Publisher: Sussex Academic Press

Summary

This book examines the struggle for indigenous rights in eight Latin American countries. Initial studies of indigenous movements celebrated the return of the Indians as relevant political actors, often approaching their struggles as expressions of a common, generic agenda. This collection moves the debate forward by acknowledging the extraordinary diversity among the movements' composition, goals, and strategies. The case studies examine the ways in which the Indian question arises in each country, with reference to the protagonism of indigenous movements in the context of the threats and opportunities posed by neoliberal policies. The complexities posed by the varying demographic weight of indigenous populations, the interrelation of class and ethnicity, and the interplay between indigenous and popular struggles are discussed. The volume concludes that the Indian struggles are having a direct impact on the character of democracy, and in the process contribute to the redefinition of Latin American societies as multicultural.

Author Biography

Nancy Grey Postero Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of California, San Diego. Leon Zamosc Associate Professor of Sociology and Associate Director of Latin American Studies at the University of California, San Diego.

Table of Contents

Preface and Acknowledgments	p. vii
Indigenous Movements and the Indian Question in Latin America	p. 1
From Indigenismo to Zapatismo: The Struggle for a Multi-ethnic Mexican Society	p. 32
Beyond Victimization: Maya Movements in Post-war Guatemala	p. 81
Indigenous Struggles in Colombia: Historical Changes and Perspectives	p. 105
The Indian Movement in Ecuador: From Politics of Influence to Politics of Power	p. 131
Un País Sin Indígenas?: Re-thinking Indigenous Politics in Peru	p. 158
Articulations and Fragmentations: Indigenous Politics in Bolivia	p. 189
Socialist Saudades: Lula's Victory, Indigenous Movements, and the Latin American Left	p. 217
The Contributors	p. 232
Index	p. 234
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