Challenging Mestizaje: A Gender Perspective on Indigenous and Afrodescendant Movements in Latin AmericaPosted in Anthropology, Articles, Caribbean/Latin America, Social Science, Women on 2010-01-23 20:40Z by Steven |
Critique of Anthropology
Vol. 25, No. 3
pages 307-330
(2005)
DOI: 10.1177/0308275X05055217
Helen I. Safa, Professor Emerita of Anthropology/Latin American Studies
University of Florida
This article compares the contemporary movements for cultural autonomy and social legitimation organized by the indigenous and Afrodescendant populations of Latin America. These movements are challenging the concept of blanqueamiento or whitening embedded in the process of mestizaje in Latin America. Whitening proclaimed the superiority of white European culture over indigenous and black culture, a concept these movements are challenging by proclaiming their own cultural autonomy. In particular, the article will examine the increasing role of women in both these movements, and how women are reconciling the tension between ethnic/racial and gender consciousness.
Read or purchase the article here.