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Ethnische und indigene Zugehörigkeiten in ländlichen Gemeinden Südecuadors:Identitäten zwischen Ordnung und Ambiguität

Year: 2012
Type: dissertation
Abstract: At first glance, ethnic affiliation seems to be an important criterion for social standing in rural communities of the Yacuambi Valley in Southern Ecuador. The three main ethnic groups in this area each have their own language, dress and customs. If a person is “assigned” to one of the three groups by others, he or she is often perceived as having the stereotypical characteristics that are seen to be typical of the respective ethnic group. Individuals from indigenous groups have particularly been stigmatized and burdened with a negative social identity for centuries. Status and opportunities for a prosperous life differed (and partly still differ) among the ethnic groups of Ecuador. Today, however, the still widespread image of the poor, backward and marginalised ‘Indian' is being challenged through the successful participation of indigenous people in national politics. As a result, the existing social order – which used to place indigenous people at the bottom – is increasingly called into question. This case study exemplifies how ethnic affiliation and assignment (in terms of defining oneself and being defined by others as member of an ethnic group) are not seen to be definite and unchangeable by residents of the Yacuambi Valley. Rather, the social constructs of ethnicity and indigeneity are permeated by ambiguity. Formerly valid social orders, which promised unambiguity when determining ethnic identities, are increasingly dissolving. On the other hand, old hierarchies in Yacuambi Valley are not being replaced seamlessly by a new order. Residents of the Yacuambi Valley take advantage of the social space that arises from these ambiguities, and thus creatively re-interpret and re-evaluate social identities.
Author: Martina Park
Language: German
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3135764713
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