The migration of the indigenous Miskito population in Costa Rica from the identity and construction of “the other”

Abstract

In the following article, the social imaginary about migration is analyzed, as well as the myths and stereotypes that the Costa Rican population has in relation to the Nicaraguan immigrant population. The perception and discourse that exist about the construction of the other is identified from the myths and reproduction of stereotypes, the identity and individual or survival strategies of indigenous migrants, especially the Miskito population. For this purpose, some textual and discursive manifestations that Costa Ricans produce and reproduce about immigrant persons are analyzed, in terms of images, as well as perception of this population. All this to demonstrate the mechanisms of naturalization, legitimation and reproduction of power that exist and that help to promote social inequalities, preventing understanding the meaning of migration in Costa Rican society.