Return Migration in the Ecuadorian and Bolivian population: motivations, strategies and discourses

This article analyses the motivations for return migration among the Ecuadorians and Bolivians who, after living in Spain, returned to their countries of origin during the economic crisis that started in 2008. From the analysis of 22 interviews in-depth which took place in Ecuador and 38 in Bolivia to women, men and young people from migrant families, this decision-making process is shown to be embedded into a gendered dynamics of relationships. Particular detail is given to affective and economic elements that had an influence on the decision to return, as well as to the strategies deployed to project their readjustment back in origin. Males and females occupy differential positions within the family, work and social circle, their expectations being built in a gendered manner. Despite the fact migration has brought women greater economic power within the family group, their reintegration upon return redefines their role as main managers in the household and the dynamics that allow their social reproduction. Men, for their part, aspire to refresh their role as providers in spite of their frail labour position upon return. Social mobility for females is passed on through generations by a strong investment on education for their daughters and sons, while for males this mobility revolves around setting up family businesses and around their demonstrative abilities.

Ecuadorian migration and family strategies of social mobility: dialectic relation between emotional and financial capital

This text deals with transnational strategies of social mobility in Ecuadorian migrant households in Spain. We apply the capital accumulation model (Moser, 2009) for this purpose. The main target of this article is, beyond thinking in terms of capital stock and accumulation, the analysis in depth of the dynamics of the different types of capital, that is to say, how they interact with each other in the framework of the social mobility strategies of the migrants and their families. We are bringing into light the way some households adopt investing decisions in capitals that don't translate into any addition or earnings in all cases, on the contrary, concentrating all their efforts on the accumulation of a certain asset they may, in some cases, lead to a loss of another. We will concentrate our analysis primarily on the dynamics between the physical and financial capital and the social and emotional capital, showing the tensions produced between these two types of assets. At the same time, we will highlight how migrants negotiate their family strategies of social mobility in the transnational area. Our study is based in empirical material obtained from qualitative fieldwork (in-depth interviews) with families of migrants in the urban district of Turubamba Bajo -(south of Quito) and in Madrid. A series of households were selected where interviews were carried out in the country of origin as well as in the context of immigration, with different family members, analysing the transnational social and economic strategies of families of migrant members. Family members of migrants established in Spain were interviewed in Quito, as well as key informants in the district (school teachers, nursery members of the staff, etc.). The research was framed within the projects "Impact of migration on the development: gender and transnationalism", Ministry of Science and Innovation (SEJ2007/63179) (Laura Oso, dir. 2007-2010),"Gender, transnationalism and intergenerational strategies of social mobility", Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (FEM2011/26210) (Laura Oso, dir. 201-1-2015) and “Gender, Crossed Mobilities and Transnational Dynamics”, Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (FEM2015-67164).

Weaving Futures. Family Transnationalism in the migration from Dominican Republic and Brazil to Spain

This article explores forms of migrant families’ reorganization within a (new) global economic crisis and the hardening of migration control in Europe; based on the cases of Dominican and Brazilian migration to Spain.Our goal is not to characterize the wholeness of strategies from these collectives, instead visualize its heterogeneity. Displacement of Dominican and Brazilian population to Spain shares the role of women as the first link of migration chains. In both cases women are the economic support of transnational families and they lead reunification's processes. Nevertheless, differences in the time spent in the destination country, migratory status, origin (rural-urban), level of education, class and labor insertion in destination country, affect differently, the planning and start up of migration projects, the organization of care and family reunification strategies. These findings question the predominant place granted to national origin in the study of international migration.

Gendered Responses to Global Crisis: Circular Migration and Return among Ecuadorian Families in Spain and Ecuador

This paper analyzes the impact of Spain’s economic crisis on social reproduction strategies of Ecuadorian migrant families in Madrid and Quito. The paper analyzes circular migration experiences and more permanent returns to Ecuador. I argue that these strategies and migrants' greater or lesser capabilities to move between different migration destinations show significant gender differences. On the one hand, men and women make a differential use of their migratory status to deploy transnational strategies and expand their mobility. On the other hand, migrants’ degree of mobility and flexibility with regard to the labor market and transnational social reproduction are derivative of a specific gendered order and sexual division of labor.

“Animanazo”. Song and memories. Cultural expressions and movements in the reconstruction of the past inside a north Argentinian town

This article analyses the context of production and local situations of appropriation and resignification related to the folk song “Fire on Animaná” as well as the request and mobilization (“The animanazo”) provoked by this song in order to examine different mechanisms and foundations by which a population connect with an event from its community past, identifying with this and taking it in a specific way. In this article we combine discourse analysis of the song and of interviews to participants in this event with the reconstruction —through ethnographic observation— of how to use this song.

BM: Manual de guías en ciencias naturales dirigida a los indígenas de los colegios de San Juan Bosco y María Auxiliadora del Amazonas

El presente trabajo pone de manifiesto que la etnoeducación parte del reconocimiento de la existencia de culturas diferentes , con características propias (idioma , valores, costumbres y formas de organización), que tienen derecho a ser valoradas y respetadas . A su vez, busca una construcción teórica que permite el acceso a una comprensión de la problemática educativa en general , de manera que se posibilite una forma alterna de educación , acorde con las necesidades e intereses de estos grupos . Además se proponen algunos elementos importantes para tener en cuenta , a fin de elaborar una estrategia didáctica de investigación , del profesor en el aula escolar ; de tal manera que propicie un aprendizaje significativo de las ciencias en general , pero en particular de la biología, de acuerdo a las necesidades prioritarias de las comunidades indígenas , generando una abundante investigación de las diferencias y dificultades existentes en el campo de las metodología que se emplean . De hecho . todas estas propuestas deben fundamentarse para que sean eficaces , sobre evaluaciones y revisiones históricas . Disponiendo para esto de la epistemología , la sociología y de la didáctica de las ciencias . Dentro de esta perspectivas ha venido surgiendo el concepto de etnoeducación , como una respuesta más viable ante la situación educativa existente , aun en muchas comunidades, donde los conocimientos son impuestos , violentando la integridad de las culturas indígenas . Por tales motivos se propone el diseño de las GUÍAS DE CIENCIAS NATURALES , DIRIGIDA A LOS ESTUDIANTES DE LOS COLEGIOS INDÍGENAS SAN JUAN BOSCO Y MARÍA AUXILIADORA (Leticia , Amazonas) , como una herramienta , la cual introduce algunas estrategias metodológicas , de acuerdo a los programas ya establecidos por los colegios , las necesidades del entorno social y las características regionales donde se encuentra la institución escolar , buscando que el alumno indígena construya a partir de su sable propio , común y científico afianzando principalmente su identidad cultural , que es lo que en últimas buscan las comunidades indígenas

El poder del debate ciudadano: procesos de gobernanza en la agenda interlocal de desarrollo Kennedy-Bosa

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar cómo el debate ciudadano incide en la gestación de procesos de gobernanza en la Agenda Interlocal de Desarrollo Kennedy-Bosa, proyecto de participación ciudadana en Bogotá. A través del documento se pretende demostrar que el debate: 1) permitió que las organizaciones sociales, presentes en la Agenda Interlocal, entablaran relaciones horizontales; 2) posibilitó la interacción de múltiples actores de la ciudad, entre ellos Secretarías Distritales y entidades privadas; 3) promocionó el diálogo y el intercambio de ideas como medio para la resolución de problemáticas identificadas en las localidades de Bosa y Kennedy. Para demostrar lo anterior, se realizó observación participante y entrevistas en las que se evidenció el proceso de toma de decisiones y la interacción de los actores presentes en la Agenda.

El proceso de construcción de la identidad del Cabildo Indígena Ambiká-Pijao en el marco de la Política Pública para Pueblos Indígenas en la localidad de Usme. (2005-2015)

El propósito del presente diagnóstico es analizar el proceso de construcción de la identidad del Cabildo Indígena Ambiká-Pijao en la localidad de Usme en la ciudad de Bogotá, desde el año 2005 hasta 2015. Este diagnóstico busca analizar la identidad en el marco de la Política Pública para Pueblos Indígenas de la ciudad de Bogotá, teniendo como elementos centrales las variables del territorio y su pérdida debido al desplazamiento en muchos casos forzado, la cultura, y las características sobre las cuales se entiende al indígena en contextos urbanos. Con base en estos fenómenos, se estudian las principales características de la comunidad e individuos que hacen parte de la misma, para así plantear algunos retos por parte de las instituciones políticas en torno al desarrollo e implementación de políticas multiculturales de reconocimiento para el caso de indígenas presentes en lo urbano.

Soft Power del Vaticano en el reconocimiento de Palestina como Estado

Desde 1945, el inicio de la cuestión palestina, el país ha sufrido una serie de transformaciones e intervenciones en su soberanía y en legitimidad, las cuales siguen en discusión actualmente; y han dado como resultado el estudio del reconocimiento de Palestina como Estado. Es pertinente hacer un acercamiento a este tema desde la variable religiosa (Vaticano), teniendo en cuenta el gran número de lugares sagrados que hay en la región de Palestina y la variable religiosa del conflicto Palestino-israelí. Desde la mirada del Soft Power, concepto que ha venido tomando fuerza en la academia desde 1980, podemos acercarnos al objeto de estudio y dilucidar las injerencias de este actor. Mediante una aproximación cualitativa, que conlleva análisis del discurso, análisis histórico y análisis de política exterior, se logrará obtener el resultado esperado, que es entender de qué manera el Vaticano ejerce influencia (ideológica y cultural) en el Sistema Internacional, en el asunto del reconocimiento de Palestina como Estado.

1492-1992. Una reflexión desde el reverso de la historia: Las Víctimas

IntroducciónMucho se ha escrito desde las más diversas ópticas y más se escribirá aún en torno al V Centenario de la llegada de los europeos a Abya- yalaNo es para menos, Un hecho histórico de tal envargadura y sus múltiples consecuencias así como lo ha requerido. en el año de 1492 se produjo una expansión europea a razón del mercantilismo del renacimiento. Un "nuevo mundo" -para Europea fue "nuevo" -sin lugar a dudas vino a cambiar lo cotidiano y geopolíticamente la vida y pensamiento de todos los europeos y de todos los pueblos impactados en el seno de Abya-yala...

Climate and human impact during the past 2000 years as recorded in the Lagunas de Yala, Jujuy, northwestern Argentina

210Pb, 137Cs and 14C dated sediments of two late Holocene landslide lakes in the Provincial Park Lagunas de Yala (Laguna Rodeo, Laguna Comedero, 24°06′S, 65°30′W, 2100 m asl, northwestern Argentina) reveal a high-resolution multi-proxy data set of climate change and human impact for the past ca. 2000 years. Comparison of the lake sediment data set for the 20th century (sediment mass accumulation rates MARs, pollen spectra, nutrient and charcoal fluxes) with independent dendroecological data from the catchment (fire scars, tree growth) and long regional precipitation series (from 1934 onwards) show that (1) the lake sediment data set is internally highly consistent and compares well with independent data sets, (2) the chronology of the sediment is reliable, (3) large fires (1940s, 1983/1984–1989) as documented in the local fire scar frequency are recorded in the charcoal flux to the lake sediments and coincide with low wet-season precipitation rates (e.g., 1940s, 1983/1984) and/or high interannual precipitation variability (late 1940s), and (4) the regional increase in precipitation after 1970 is recorded in an increase in the MARs (L. Rodeo from 100 to 390 mg cm−2 yr−1) and in an increase in fern spores reflecting wet vegetation. The most significant change in MARs and nutrient fluxes (Corg and P) of the past 2000 years is observed with the transition from the Inca Empire to the Spanish Conquest around 1600 AD. Compared with the pre-17th century conditions, MARs increased by a factor of ca. 5 to >8 (to 800 +130, −280 mg cm−2 yr−1), PO4 fluxes increased by a factor of 7, and Corg fluxes by a factor of 10.5 for the time between 1640 and 1930 AD. 17th to 19th century MARs and nutrient fluxes also exceed 20th century values. Excess Pb deposition as indicated by a significant increase in Pb/Zr and Pb/Rb ratios in the sediments after the 1950s coincides with a rapid expansion of the regional mining industry. Excess Pb is interpreted as atmospheric deposition and direct human impact due to Pb smelting.

Figure 1 Geomorphological map of proglacial area of Yala (Dakpatsen) Glacier, Langtang Himal, Nepal (pdf 500 kB)

A series of minor moraine ridges are observed on the till surface in the proglacial area of Yala Glacier, Nepal Himalaya. The till surface, which is often fluted, consists ofsix different till sheets. It lies present glacial margin and the bulky terminal moraine ridges. These till sheets correspond to six re-advance stages during the general retreat which followed Little Ice Age ad- vance which formed the bulky terminal moraine ridges. Field observations and till fabric analysis suggest that the minor moraine ridges of Yala Glacier seem to be formed annually, by ice push. On the assumption that their annual character was maintained for a long time, and that the time span needed for each re-advance was proportional to the height of terminal moraine of each till sheet, the dating of Little fee Age moraines was attempted. The results indicate that Little Ice Age advances occurred in 1815 and in 1843, roughly simultanously with those in Europe.

Nutrient dynamics of seasonal tanks in the dry zone of Sri Lanka in relation to their hydrological regimes

Village tanks are put to a wide range of uses by the rural communities that depend on them for their survival. As the primacy of irrigation has decreased under these tanks due to a variety of climatic and economic reasons there is a need to reevaluate their use for other productive functions. The research presented in this paper is part of a programme investigating the potential to improve the management of living aquatic resources in order to bring benefits to the most marginal groups identified in upper watershed areas. Based on an improved typology of seasonal tanks, the seasonal changes and dynamics of various water quality parameters indicative of nutrient status and fisheries carrying capacity are compared over a period of one year. Indicators of Net (Primary) Productivity (NP): Rates of Dissolved Oxygen (DO) change, Total Suspended Solids (TSS): Total Suspended Volatile solids (TVSS) ratios are the parameters of principle interest. Based on these results a comparative analysis is made on two classes of ‘seasonal’ and ‘semi-seasonal’ tanks. Results indicate a broad correlation in each of these parameters with seasonal trends in tank hydrology. Highest productivity levels are associated with periods of declining water storage, whilst the lowest levels are associated with the periods of maximum water storage shortly after the NW monsoon. This variation is primarily attributed to dilution effects associated with depth and storage area. During the yala period, encroachment of the surface layer by several species of aquatic macrophyte also has progressively negative impacts on productivity. The most seasonal tanks show wider extremes in seasonal nutrient dynamics, overall, with less favourable conditions than the ‘semi-seasonal’ tanks. Never the less all the tanks can be considered as being highly productive with NP levels comparable to fertilised pond systems for much of the year. This indicates that nutrient status is not likely to be amongst the most important constraints to enhancing fish production. Other potential management improvements based on these results are discussed. [PDF contains 19 pages]