Gendered economy in the Mosquitía: women’s roles in a changing indigenous economy

Authors

  • Ariana Toth, Doctora Giffels Webster, Detroit, MI., United States

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15359/rgac.61-3.7

Keywords:

Miskitu, indigenous economy, autonomy, women

Abstract

This paper explores frst hand perceptions of Nicaraguan Miskitu women’s role in their local economy. Attention is paid to how economic practices have changed over time and whether change spurred by outside influences – such as corporate ventures and NGOs – have eroded the authenticity of an indigenous economy. Some historical economic practices are explored with a focus on the post-war economy and how political autonomy has affected women’s role. Surveys of Miskitu women obtained during feld research, with support from relevant literature, comprise the main source of information considered.

Author Biography

Ariana Toth, Doctora, Giffels Webster, Detroit, MI.

Giffels Webster, Detroit, MI, USA. Email:arianamtoth@gmail.com

References

Cunningham Kain, R. (2011). The Grandmothers of the Wangki. In T. Foundation, Indigenous Women, Climate Change and Forests (pp. 3-40). Baguio City, Philippines: Tebtebba Foundation.

Cunningham, M. (2012). Knowing Mirna Cunningham. Retrieved from Mirna Cunningham: www.mirnacunningham.org

Escobar, A. (1995). Encountering Development: The Making and Unmaking of the Third World. Princeton: Princeton University Press.

Fenly, N., IIWF, & CADPI. (2011). Forests and Indigenous Women in Tuapi: "Return to Auhbi Piakan". In T. Foundation, Indigenous Women, Climate Change and Forests (pp. 41-74). Baguio City, Philippines: Tebtebba Foundation.

Helms, M. W. (1971). Asang: Adaptations to Culture Contact in a Miskito Community. Gainesville: University of Florida Press.

Henricksen, K., & Kindblad, C. (2011). Neoliberalism, Patriarchal Rule, and Cultural Change at the Turn of the Twentieth Century: The Case of Tasbapauni. In L. Baracco (Ed.), National Integration and Contested Autonomy: The Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua (pp. 191-220). New York: Algora Publishing.

Herlihy, L. H. (2006). Sexual Magic and Money: Miskitu Women's Strategies in Northern Honduras. Ethnology , 45 (2), 143-159.

Herlihy, L. H. (2012). The Mermaid & the Lobster Diver: Gender, Sexuality, and Money on the Miskito Coast. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press.

Nietschmann, B. (1973). Between Land and Water. New York: Seminar Press.Tebtebba Foundation. (2010). Towards an Alternative Development Paradigm: Indigenous

People's Self-Determined Development. (V. Tauli-Corpuz, & L. d. Enkiwe-Abayao, Eds.) Baguio City, Philippines: Tebtebba Foundation

Published

2018-11-23

How to Cite

Toth, A. (2018). Gendered economy in the Mosquitía: women’s roles in a changing indigenous economy. Geographical Journal of Central America, 3(61E), 125-135. https://doi.org/10.15359/rgac.61-3.7

Issue

Section

Theory, Epistemology, Methodology (Evaluated by peers)

How to Cite

Toth, A. (2018). Gendered economy in the Mosquitía: women’s roles in a changing indigenous economy. Geographical Journal of Central America, 3(61E), 125-135. https://doi.org/10.15359/rgac.61-3.7