Indigenous Movements in Latin America

Abstract

AbstractWhat are the major characteristics and contributions of indigenous movements to Latin American politics and society? What do indigenous movements teach us about social movement dynamics? This chapter addresses these questions by reviewing the key approaches and debates in the literature on indigenous movements in Latin America. The chapter begins with an examination of the historical roots of indigenous dispossession. It then provides an overview of the theoretical explanations for the sudden and unexpected rise of Indigenous movements during the 1990s, including structural, cultural, and rational choice accounts. The chapter analyzes the characteristics and contributions of indigenous struggles for identity, territory, and autonomy for understanding social movement theory and practice. Particular attention is paid to the multiscalar organizational efforts of indigenous movements and the bridging of protest and electoral coalitions in achieving movement demands. The chapter concludes by charting the course ahead for scholarship on Indigenous movements in the region.