Assignment Code: MPSE-002/ASST/TMA/2023-24

Course Code: MPSE-002

Assignment Name: State and Society in Latin America

Year: 2023-2024

Verification Status: Verified by Professor

Answer five questions in all, selecting at least two questions from each section. Each question is to be answered in about 500 words. Each question carries 20 marks.

SECTION- I

Q1) Briefly explain how religion interacts with politics at the national and local levels in Latin

America.

Ans) Religion and politics in Latin America share an intricate relationship, with religious beliefs and institutions influencing political dynamics at both the national and local levels.

a)     Historical Roots: Latin America has a rich history deeply interwoven with Catholicism. Colonialism introduced Catholicism to the region, which became a dominant force in shaping societies and politics. The Catholic Church often played a significant role in early governance, exerting considerable influence over political affairs.

b)     National Level Dynamics: While many Latin American countries are officially secular, religious beliefs continue to shape national politics. The Catholic Church has historically been a formidable political force, intervening in debates over social issues like abortion, divorce laws, and LGBTQ+ rights. In recent years, Evangelical Protestantism's rise has introduced a new religious dynamic, with Evangelical groups gaining political influence and lobbying for their social agendas.

c)     Political Mobilization: Religious groups in Latin America often mobilize their followers to support political causes. Churches, especially Evangelical congregations, are influential in mobilizing voters, endorsing political candidates, and promoting specific policy agendas. Political parties may court religious leaders or align with religious groups to secure votes or influence public opinion.

d)     Social Justice and Advocacy: Religious organizations, particularly the Catholic Church, often advocate for social justice and human rights. They engage in activism on issues such as poverty, inequality, and indigenous rights. Religious leaders have frequently criticized governments for policies perceived as unjust or oppressive.

e)     Local Level Influence: At the local level, especially in rural areas, religious institutions wield considerable influence. Churches often provide social services, education, and community support, making them central hubs for social and political engagement. Local politicians may seek alliances with religious leaders to enhance their popularity or gain support among constituents.

f)      Challenges and Tensions: While religion can play a positive role in advocating for marginalized groups, it also creates tensions. Conflicts arise when religious beliefs clash with progressive policies, such as reproductive rights or gender equality. These tensions between conservative religious values and liberal social reforms often lead to political polarization.

g)     Diversity of Religious Practices: Latin America is not homogenous in terms of religious beliefs. Indigenous and Afro-Latin American spiritual practices, such as Santeria or Candomblé, coexist alongside Christianity. These diverse beliefs sometimes interact with local politics, contributing to the cultural fabric and shaping identity politics.

Q2) Discuss the legacy of the institution of slavery in Latin America.

Ans) The legacy of slavery in Latin America has left profound and lasting impacts on the region's societies, cultures, and economies. While the specific experiences varied across countries, the institution of slavery has had significant and long-term consequences that continue to shape the social fabric of these nations.

a)     Social Hierarchies and Racism: Slavery entrenched deeply ingrained racial hierarchies in Latin American societies. The legacy of slavery contributed to the creation of racial stratification, with lighter-skinned individuals often holding higher social status and access to opportunities compared to Afro-Latinos or indigenous populations. Discrimination and systemic racism persist in many Latin American countries, affecting social mobility and access to resources.

b)     Cultural Fusion and Identity: The forced migration of Africans brought diverse cultural practices, languages, and traditions to Latin America. This cultural fusion and syncretism contributed to the development of vibrant Afro-Latin cultures, influencing music, dance, cuisine, religion, and art. Afro-descendant communities have preserved their cultural heritage despite historical oppression.

c)     Economic Disparities: The economic structures established during the colonial era were built on the exploitation of enslaved labor. Even after the abolition of slavery, economic disparities persisted, with formerly enslaved populations often relegated to marginalized and impoverished conditions. Land distribution, access to education, and job opportunities were uneven, perpetuating socioeconomic inequalities.

d)     Land Ownership and Agriculture: The historical legacy of slavery shaped land ownership patterns. Large plantations that relied on slave labor continued to dominate agricultural production in many regions. Post-abolition, the concentration of land in the hands of a few elites limited access to land for the formerly enslaved and indigenous populations, contributing to rural poverty and landlessness.

e)     Political Representation and Power Dynamics: Afro-descendant and indigenous communities often face challenges in political representation and participation. Despite efforts to address these issues, these communities continue to be underrepresented in political institutions, affecting their ability to influence policy decisions and advocate for their rights.

f)      Legal and Social Reforms: In recent decades, efforts have been made to address historical injustices and promote social inclusion. Movements advocating for racial equality, land rights, and recognition of cultural heritage have gained momentum, leading to legal reforms aimed at protecting the rights of Afro-Latinos and indigenous communities.

The legacy of slavery in Latin America continues to manifest in various forms, affecting social, economic, and political dynamics. While progress has been made in acknowledging historical injustices and promoting inclusivity, addressing systemic racism, ensuring equal opportunities, and empowering marginalized communities remain ongoing challenges for many countries in the region.

SECTION- II

Q3) Examine the core ideas and policy recommendations of Raul Prebisch and HW Singer.

Ans) Raul Prebisch and Hans Wolfgang Singer were influential economists who contributed significantly to the field of development economics, particularly in addressing issues related to international trade, development, and the global economy. Their ideas, often referred to as the Prebisch-Singer thesis, challenged prevailing assumptions about trade and development, highlighting the structural constraints faced by developing countries in the international economic system.

a)    Raul Prebisch:

Core Ideas:

1)      Dependency Theory: Prebisch was a key proponent of dependency theory, which argued that the global economic system perpetuated the underdevelopment of poorer nations. He contended that the terms of trade between primary commodity-exporting countries (mainly in the Global South) and developed nations (primarily in the Global North) tended to deteriorate over time. The prices of primary commodities, which many developing countries relied on for export earnings, tended to fall relative to the prices of manufactured goods, leading to a long-term decline in the purchasing power of these nations.

2)     Import Substitution Industrialization (ISI): Prebisch advocated for policies promoting industrialization in developing countries to reduce dependency on foreign imports and diversify their economies. ISI involved replacing imported manufactured goods with domestically produced ones through protective tariffs, subsidies, and state intervention to nurture domestic industries. This approach aimed to boost economic self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on foreign markets.

3)     Economic Sovereignty: Prebisch emphasized the importance of economic sovereignty and self-reliance for developing nations. He called for policies that allowed these countries to assert greater control over their economies and resources, reducing their vulnerability to external shocks and exploitative trade relations.

b)   Hans Wolfgang Singer:

Core Ideas:

1)      Singer-Prebisch Thesis: Singer collaborated with Prebisch in formulating the thesis that commodity-exporting countries faced a long-term decline in the terms of trade compared to manufactured goods-exporting countries. They argued that the relative prices of primary products tended to decrease over time in relation to manufactured goods, leading to an unfavourable balance of trade for developing countries.

2)     Development through Trade and Aid: Singer highlighted the importance of international trade and foreign aid in promoting economic development for less-developed countries. He advocated for fairer trading relationships, greater market access for developing nations, and targeted aid programs to support their economic growth.

3)     Dual Economy Model: Singer's work also contributed to the understanding of the dual economy model, emphasizing the coexistence of a modern industrial sector alongside a traditional agricultural or subsistence sector in many developing countries. This model highlighted the challenges of structural transformation and the disparities between these sectors.

Q4) Briefly describe the evolution of regionalism in Latin America

Ans) The evolution of regionalism in Latin America spans several centuries, marked by various initiatives and movements aimed at fostering cooperation, integration, and solidarity among the nations in the region.

Here's a broad outline of its evolution

a)    Colonial Period:

Colonial Division: During the colonial era, Latin America was under Spanish and Portuguese colonial rule, leading to the division of the region into separate colonies.

b)   19th Century:

Independence Movements: The 19th century witnessed independence movements across Latin America, leading to the emergence of sovereign nations in the early 1800s. However, these newly independent states faced internal conflicts and struggled to forge unified identities.

c)    Early 20th Century:

Pan-Americanism: In the early 20th century, the concept of Pan-Americanism emerged, emphasizing cooperation among the American nations. The Pan-American Union, founded in 1890, later became the Organization of American States (OAS) in 1948, fostering diplomatic dialogue and cooperation among member states.

d)   Mid-20th Century:

Economic Regionalism: Post-World War II, Latin American nations began exploring economic integration. Initiatives like the Latin American Free Trade Association (LAFTA) in the 1960s aimed to promote intra-regional trade but faced limited success due to protectionist policies and conflicting interests.

e)    Late 20th Century:

Formation of Trade Blocs: During the late 20th century, efforts towards regional integration gained momentum. Prominent trade blocs like the Andean Community (1969), Central American Common Market (CACM) or Central American Integration System (SICA), and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR, 1991) emerged, aiming to deepen economic ties and promote cooperation among member countries.

f)     21st Century:

ALBA and CELAC: Initiatives like the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) emerged, promoting solidarity, social integration, and anti-imperialist collaboration among member nations.

g)   Current Trends:

1)      Diverse Integration Models: Latin America today exhibits diverse integration models and alliances, each with its own objectives and scope, ranging from trade-focused blocs to broader political and social alliances.

2)     Challenges and Progress: Regional integration efforts face challenges such as economic disparities, political differences, and divergent national interests. However, there have been significant achievements in fostering dialogue, cooperation, and joint initiatives in areas like trade, infrastructure, and political dialogue.

The evolution of regionalism in Latin America reflects a complex history of attempts to promote solidarity, economic cooperation, and shared development among the diverse nations in the region. While progress has been made, challenges persist, reflecting the multifaceted nature of regional integration in Latin America.

Q5) Describe the nature of new social movements in Latin America and bring out their role in

democratic ‘transition’.

Ans) The emergence of new social movements in Latin America represents a shift in the region's sociopolitical landscape, especially during periods of democratic transition. These movements are characterized by their diverse nature, grassroots origins, and advocacy for various social, economic, and political issues. Here's an overview of their nature and role in democratic transitions:

Nature of New Social Movements

a)     Diverse Causes: These movements encompass a wide array of causes, including indigenous rights, environmental conservation, women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, land reforms, and opposition to neoliberal economic policies.

b)     Grassroots Origins: They often originate at the grassroots level, mobilizing communities, marginalized groups, and civil society organizations to address social inequalities and demand political change.

c)     Networked Structure: Many of these movements are network-based, utilizing social media and communication technologies to mobilize supporters, share information, and coordinate protests and campaigns.

d)     Participatory Approach: They emphasize participatory democracy, engaging citizens in decision-making processes and challenging traditional power structures.

Role in Democratic Transition

a)     Pressure for Change: New social movements have played a crucial role in pressuring authoritarian regimes to transition towards democracy. They've been pivotal in advocating for civil liberties, political freedoms, and human rights.

b)     Agenda Setting: These movements bring marginalized issues to the forefront of national agendas, influencing public discourse and policy priorities. Their activism often leads to legislative changes addressing social justice and rights-based issues.

c)     Social Inclusion: They advocate for the inclusion of marginalized groups in the democratic process, amplifying the voices of indigenous communities, women, and other marginalized sectors of society.

d)     Check on Power: These movements serve as a check on political power, holding governments accountable for their actions and policies. They contribute to the checks and balances within democratic systems.

e)     Catalysts for Reform: Through mass mobilization and protests, these movements become catalysts for institutional reforms, demanding changes in governance, social policies, and economic models.