Marginalized Groups
Gender Gaps and Indigenous Groups
For many decades, Latin American’s have consistently faced political and social challenges, which has caused them to essentially take matters into their own hands. The two readings by Morgan and Van Cott look at how these individuals have been sidelined, or marginalized by Latin American politics.
The first reading, Indigenous Peoples’ Politics in Latin America by Donna Lee Van Cott looks at the influence and involvement of indigenous people in Latin American politics as well as the progress they have made in recent years. Until recently, indigenous groups had been neglected by the government which meant that they weren’t supposed to be involved in politics at all. As a result of the neglect, indigenous groups ultimately developed their own parties where they could express their own ideas and views into politics. A majority of Latin American states claim to be a democracy, but if all individuals aren’t equal in terms of political participation then how do they expect to be as successful as those states that are fully committed. With that being said, multiple question come to light. What changed that allowed these groups to finally participate? Was it from the left becoming weak or did politicians realized the importance of inclusion of multiple ethnic groups?
On the other hand, the reading by Morgan, Gender and the Latin American Voter focuses on the gender gap of politics specifically focused towards women. Today, we still see a significant gender gap in politics, but similar to indigenous groups, it is slowly closing. As stated by Morgan, limits on female autonomy and the conservatizing influence of motherhood are some of the leading reasons contributing to traditional gender gap. With that being said, there are multiple ways to deal with gender gaps. The article hints that women who are more independent and autonomous are typically more progressive in politics. After reading the article, I began to develop my own questions about the gender gaps. Is the lack of independence for marginalized groups the reasoning behind gender gaps? Also, if those groups rightfully receive greater independence, will political participation increase?
Both articles point out serious issues relating to marginalized groups, but they both have flaws within their research. In the reading by Morgan, the research could have been focused on other races, religions, etc. It seems to be narrowed in on women even though it could be applied to many other areas/aspects. Van Cott could have expanded her research as well instead of focusing on one area. The expansion of research on indigenous groups would’ve helped us better understand the impact of gender and race in politics.
The two articles truly provide an insight into all the underlying issues in Latin American politics. The solution to reducing gender gaps and promoting participation from indigenous groups simply lies in the politicians hands. With greater independence and opportunities comes greater political participation.
I agree with what you said about how, in order to be considered a democracy, all people, including indigenous groups, should have the opportunity to vote. Although, I don’t agree that the solution to greater involved from these marginalized groups rests solely in the politicians hands. Yes, policies promoting higher education and wage equality for men and women can help, there must be greater societal changes have to occur, such as roles in the family and cultural ideology towards women’s rights. To gain independence, and in turn political involvement, there needs to be drastic shifts in both policy changes and in society.
I agree that marginalized groups have been forced to take matters into their own hands in order to no longer be ignored by the government. The vast inequality and underdevelopment in Latin America has really left the lower class majority in a tough situation which makes them very discontent with the way governments have been operating. I accredit these with making the left turn possible in Latin America during the last decade and a half. Most people seek social justice rather than trickle down liberal economic policies; which has further impeded progress and allowed for eroding infrastructure, making the situation worse for the lower and also the upper classes.
I think marginalized groups have felt some sense of belonging with leftists in the past decades and that could explain the rise of the left. The failure of past regimes economically, socially etc. may have also contributed to this shift. Although many people may not have been against conservative ideas per say, i think many of their policies “pre left turn” have isolated many people that were able to embrace left ideas that once seemed unacceptable. Also the simple fact is that Latin America with time, was becoming more democratized making the left more and more acceptable.
I do have to agree with that all people needs to be included and have the ability to vote in order to have a democracy. I think the questions you raise in this paragraph are questions that do need to be answered and unfortunately are probably more for political reasons than humanitarian reasons. I disagree with you on that Van Cott should have expanded her research due to the fact that there is very little research ever done with indigenous people so it is very difficult to have research that is expansive. Though I wish it was possible for Van Cott to have the large expansive research but its just not possible right now.
I totally agree with RJ and would say that, the politization of many important issues have caused them to be pushed under the rug, therefore, they do not get the attention they deserved. I believe sometimes or very often, one must fight to get their voice heard in oder for adequate and appropriate results. So in that token, as mentioned in one comment above, i don’t think the responsibility of women’s issue in this case solely rest on the government’s shoulders. I think the more latin american women start caring for feminist causes and understand its importance, the more attention they will draw to the matter and the louder their voices will get.