Doing More Harm Than Good: US Foreign Aid and the Loss of Indigenous Culture in Guatemala
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Authors
Atkinson, Jessie
Issue Date
2024-04-26
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Scholarship Sewanee 2024 , University of the South , foreign aid , development , Guatemala , indigenous peoples , indigenous culture
Alternative Title
Abstract
Foreign aid is a relatively novel topic, mainly surfacing after the Second World War and during the Cold War. Its origin is partly rooted in self-preservation, ‘red scare’ instincts in uncertain post-war times. Foreign aid is defined as “private or public bilateral or multilateral assistance to nations suffering the ravages of war, natural calamity, or long-standing poverty” with the hope of creating self-sufficient, capitalistic economic growth for the receiving countries (Godfried & Lynch 1). However, the focus has shifted to emphasize humanitarian aid and supporting the wellbeing of all peoples, aligning with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. Despite the goal appearing to be humanitarian aid, there are national interests being protected through foreign aid programs. I will present the impact of international development and foreign aid being sent from the United States to Guatemala, specifically its effects on the indigenous populations. What are the effects of foreign aid on receiving countries? Do aid programs consider priorities and concerns of the entire population, including indigenous peoples? Does the Guatemalan government get consent from indigenous peoples to accept these aid programs? I argue that international development does not reach the indigenous populations of Guatemala due to discriminatory obstacles put into place by the urban, elite population or government; and when it does reach the indigenous communities, it has a negative impact on their distinct cultures. The obstacles put into place use outdated, colonial ideas of racial hierarchy to keep the indigenous populations below the poverty line and decrease their agency. In return, those in power can maintain or improve their socio-economic positions. My research explores agricultural and social aid programs from the 1950s to present day to prove the existence of hurdles used to marginalize and oppress indigenous peoples in Guatemala. My presentation will begin with my theoretical framework before moving on to background information of Guatemala, indigenous peoples, and U.S. foreign aid. I will then present my research of agricultural and social aid programs and their effects on indigenous cultures. Finally, I will introduce new approaches to development that must be implemented to maintain and celebrate indigenous knowledge and culture.
Description
Citation
Publisher
University of the South