The Purépecha Women of Michoacán, Mexico: A Social Network Analysis of Their Resistance Movements
Location
Poster #5
Department
History
Abstract
Indigenous populations in Latin America are some of the most vulnerable groups in the world. Since the beginning of colonization, Indigenous communities have confronted various forms of violence (e.g., genocide, health disparities, human and land rights violations, poverty, etc.). Nevertheless, these communities continue to resist colonial malice through community-based efforts that often have Indigenous women at their forefront. This research study will focus on the Purépecha women of the state of Michoacán, Mexico through a social network analysis. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the interconnected nature of violence across different scales ranging from state mechanisms to individual interpersonal connections. The secondary purpose of this study is to highlight the networks of resistance that Indigenous women have established through social media as a response to the various forms of violence and oppression they confront. This qualitative study will analyze the frequency of social media content, such as user-generated content, short-form videos, text-based posts, images, GIFs/memes, and other forms of content. The study will investigate how Purépecha women have inserted themselves into their communities' political and social spheres. Due to the limited literature available on the Purépecha Indigenous community of the Pacific Coast and West-Central regions of Mexico, this study will bring awareness while acknowledging their culture, historical context, and contemporary issues through an ethical and appreciation framework.
Faculty Sponsor
Sarah Bey West
The Purépecha Women of Michoacán, Mexico: A Social Network Analysis of Their Resistance Movements
Poster #5
Indigenous populations in Latin America are some of the most vulnerable groups in the world. Since the beginning of colonization, Indigenous communities have confronted various forms of violence (e.g., genocide, health disparities, human and land rights violations, poverty, etc.). Nevertheless, these communities continue to resist colonial malice through community-based efforts that often have Indigenous women at their forefront. This research study will focus on the Purépecha women of the state of Michoacán, Mexico through a social network analysis. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the interconnected nature of violence across different scales ranging from state mechanisms to individual interpersonal connections. The secondary purpose of this study is to highlight the networks of resistance that Indigenous women have established through social media as a response to the various forms of violence and oppression they confront. This qualitative study will analyze the frequency of social media content, such as user-generated content, short-form videos, text-based posts, images, GIFs/memes, and other forms of content. The study will investigate how Purépecha women have inserted themselves into their communities' political and social spheres. Due to the limited literature available on the Purépecha Indigenous community of the Pacific Coast and West-Central regions of Mexico, this study will bring awareness while acknowledging their culture, historical context, and contemporary issues through an ethical and appreciation framework.