A Tender Fury: Zapatismo and the Predicament of the Rural Peasantry and Indigenous Peoples of Mexico
Graduation Date
2000
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Other
Program
Social Science
Committee Chair Name
Dr. Jack Norton
Committee Chair Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Dr. Karen Carlton
Third Committee Member Name
Dr. Patrick Wenger
Fourth Committee Member Name
Dr. Todd Young
Keywords
Sociology
Subject Categories
Sociology
Abstract
The primary objective of my research is to investigate and do a thorough analysis into the current status and problems facing Mexico’s rural and indigenous peoples. The Zapatista Movement within the state of Chiapas serves as a barometer for the fragile and ever increasingly endangered life ways of the rural peasantry throughout rural Mexico as they struggle to maintain their culture and hold onto their dignity and land. For many this means their indigenous heritage as well. For much of the rural peasantry land and dignity and cultural identity go hand in hand, with the land being the vital link to the culture as a whole. The methodology used for this project has been primarily an intensive literature search including an overall analysis that uses an anthropological perspective along with a geo-political world view that draws light upon the peasant’s predicament as being one of a legacy of conquest, colonialism, and the ever increasing impact of a global market economy and world system. As such I hope that my research into this subject will add to the overall understanding of the different aspects and variables that impact upon and result in an indigenous group, such as the Zapatistas within Chiapas, rising up in protest. I hope as well that this research encourages others to pick up the torch and endeavors future research into this field of study.
Recommended Citation
Balassa, Alicia Rachelle, "A Tender Fury: Zapatismo and the Predicament of the Rural Peasantry and Indigenous Peoples of Mexico" (2000). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 2388.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/2388