Overview
This innovative anthropological study develops a theory of process and applies it to the Gulf Nahuas, descendants of the Aztecs and custodians of one of the last rainforests in Mexico. It takes a multi-disciplinary approach to the conflicts and contradictions of social history, looking at how institutions change in response to the imposition of a new ruling order, the unequal distribution of wealth, and the confrontation of classes and parties, genders and age-groups, spirits and humans. Its exploration of the impact of state power and the cattle and oil industries on native economics and ecology helps the reader to understand broader processes of underdevelopment and impoverishment.Synopsis
This innovative anthropological study develops a theory of process and applies it to the Gulf Nahuas, descendants of the Aztecs and custodians of one of the last rainforests in Mexico. It takes a multi-disciplinary approach to the conflicts and contradictions of social history, looking at how institutions change in response to the imposition of a new ruling order, the unequal distribution of wealth, and the confrontation of classes and parties, genders and age-groups, spirits and humans. Its exploration of the impact of state power and the cattle and oil industries on native economics and ecology helps the reader to understand broader processes of underdevelopment and impoverishment.
Booknews
An anthropological study of the Nahuas of southern Veracruz, examining the impact of Mexico's cattle ranching and petrochemical industries on milpa agriculture and the rainforest environment, and how national politics and economics impact native patterns of patrimonial culture and social organization. Also draws an approach to countering the current trends of social and ecological impoverishment from the corn god mythology. Paper edition (unseen), $29.95. Distributed in the US by Humanities Press. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)