Title
Fried Chicken or Pop? Redefining Development and Ethnicity in Totonicapan
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2009
Publication Title
Bulletin of Latin American Research
Department
Sociology & Anthropology
Abstract
This article draws on ethnographic research with a K’iche’ community development organisation in the rural department of Totonicapán to examine how neoliberal development policies in post-conflict Guatemala both enabled and problematised grassroots ethnic development strategies. Specifically, this study analyses efforts by the Cooperation for the Rural Development of the West (CDRO) to operationalise Maya culture as a tool for development through the pop (woven mat) methodology. This particular Maya development model was successful in its ability to appeal to both the international development industry and local community development goals. The article also examines, however, how the pop also became an important site of critique of neoliberal state reforms and class inequality within the community.
ISSN
0261-3050
WorldCat Link
Citation
DeHart, Monica. 2009. "Fried Chicken or Pop? Redefining Development and Ethnicity in Totonicapa?n". Bulletin of Latin American Research. 28 (1): 63-82.