Imaging the Andes : shifting margins of a marginal world

Abstract

The central Andes - Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador - are undergoing rapid change. Economic integration, neoliberal and adjustment policies, new communication technologies, indigenous political emancipation, and migration are major factors that are transforming the livelihoods, cultures and identities of the Andean peoples. The changes have initiated a debate on the dynamics and the permanence of an 'Andean way of life'. In addressing this debate, this book analyzes the dynamics of 'Andean-ness' in relation to neoliberal policy reform and globalization, to new forms of cultural encounter, to the revalorization of tradition in the midst of rapid change, and the so-called de-territorialization of identities and cultures. Focusing on the central Andes, it would appear that even within the heartland inherited views of Andean-ness are increasinly losing ground. Yet at the same time, specific elements of lo andino remain in place, and, according to many, are anything but losing ground. Development-related approaches are considered, as well as ethnographic, conceptual and historical accounts. Together, these contributions provide for a broad and varied discussion on the question about the degree to which the notion of lo andino as a scientific tool and category is still a useful one.

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