Rural Social Movements in Latin America - by Carmen Diana Deere & Frederick S Royce (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

All across Latin America, rural peoples are organizing in support of broadly distinct but interrelated issues. Food sovereignty, agrarian reform, indigenous and women's rights, sustainable development, fair trade, and immigration issues are the focus of a large number of social movements found in countries such as Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Brazil, and Peru.

The contributors to Rural Social Movements in Latin America include academic researchers as well as social movement leaders who are seeking to effect change in their countries and communities. As a group they are at the forefront of some of the most critical environmental, social, and political issues of the day.

This volume highlights the central role these movements play in opposition to the neoliberal model of development and offers fresh insights on emerging alternatives at the local, national, and hemispheric level. It also illustrates and analyzes the similarities--notably the struggle for sustainable livelihoods--as well as the difference among these various peasant, indigenous, and rural women's movements.

A co-publication with the University of Florida Center for Latin American Studies

Review Quotes

"By analyzing the various ways in which these movements articulate local and global networks, advocate for gender and ethnic rights, and insist on environmental and economic justice, this collection makes a compelling case that these movements provide coherent and dedicated leadership toward creating more equitable and sustainable societies."--The Americas "Timely and useful. . . . A good introduction to many of the key issues and movements in contemporary rural Latin America."--Bulletin of Latin American Research "Gives a clear picture of present-day rurality and the struggles to build a better future for rural populations, including concerns high on the international agenda such as food and environmental sustainability."--Feminist Economics "What makes the collection particularly valuable is that its different chapters are written from a range of subject positions--of activists, academics and more general movement supporters. . . . A fascinating book."--Journal of Peasant Studies "A lively picture of the main visions and strategies of unity (especially by majoritarian groups), but also of the fears and challenges encountered by minority groups."--Social Movement Studies

About the Author

Carmen Diana Deere, director of the Center for Latin American Studies at the University of Florida and former president of the Latin American Studies Association, is the coauthor of Empowering Women: Land and Property Rights in Latin America. Frederick S. Royce is assistant scientist in the department of agricultural and biological engineering at the University of Florida.