Since the year 2000 Latin America has been at the forefront of a series of diverse experiments with alternative forms, pathways and models of economic development and at the cutting edge of the international theoretical and political debates that surround these experiments. Reframing Latin American Development brings together leading scholars from Latin America and elsewhere to debate and discuss the current practice and futures of the Latin American experience with alternative forms of development over the last period and particularly since the end of neoliberal dominance. The models discussed range from the neo developmentalism approach of growth with equity, to the Buen Vivir (How to Live Well) philosophy advanced by the indigenous communities of the Andean highlands and implemented in the national development plans of the governments of Bolivia and Ecuador. Other models of alternative development include the so-called socialism of the twenty-first century and diverse proposals for constructing a social and solidarity economy and other models of local development based on the agency of community-based grassroots organizations and social movements. Reframing Latin American Development will be of particular interest to researchers, teachers and students in the fields of international development, Latin American studies and the economics, politics and sociology of development.

Providing an extensive introduction to cultural studies in general, regardless of chronological or geographic focus, and presenting provocative, essential readings from Latin American writers of the last two centuries, Reframing Latin America brings much-needed accessibility to the concepts of cultural studies and postmodernism. From Saussure to semiotics, the authors begin by demystifying terminology, then guide readers through five identity constructs, including nation, race, and gender. The readings that follow are presented with insightful commentary and encompass such themes as "Civilized Folk Marry the Barbarians" (including José Martí's "Our America") and "Boom Goes the Literature: Magical Realism as the True Latin America?" (featuring Elena Garro's essay "It's the Fault of the Tlaxcaltecas"). Films such as Like Water for Chocolate are discussed in-depth as well. The result is a lively, interdisciplinary guide for theorists and novices alike.

Although as a vast subcontinent, Latin America reflects diverse perspectives of life, senses of identity, cultural and spiritual outlooks, its constituting countries share a specific history of resistance against the prevalent patterns of global development. However, Latin America presents newer accounts of development understood as genuine views on human well-being derived from a sense of its own specific identity. In an emerging renaissance emphasizing human flourishing as the ultimate goal, Latin America is shifting gears towards an ethical perspective on global development. Distinct here is an emphasis on philosophy, theology, literature, arts, music, and cinema as fertile terrains depicting how the subcontinent must draw its own unique picture of development. Today, it is undergoing a diverse cultural, philosophical and spiritual growth, and holds exciting potential to be aligned with, and contribute to, the contemporary debates around the ethics of global development. This book discusses Latin American perspectives against the backdrop of the mainstream view of development, which portrays economic growth as development. It also looks at historical context, cultural diversity, cultural richness and the complex philosophy of life in the Latin American perspective to address the subcontinent’s deep cultural heritage, the depiction of its identity, and its philosophy of life. Additionally, this book discusses how the causes of inequality and malaises such as social crime can be eliminated, and more importantly, how the prosperity and economic, social, and human development of the subcontinent (and the world in general) may be improved.

This cutting-edge book presents a broad picture of global capitalism and extractivism in contemporary Latin America. Leading scholars examine the cultural patterns involving gender, ethnicity, and class that lie behind protests in opposition to extractivist projects and the contrast in responses from state actors to those movements.

Social movements are a key feature of the political and social landscape of Latin America. Ronaldo Munck explores their full range, emanating from different sections of Latin American society and motivated by many different concerns, including worker organizations, peasant and land reform movements, Indigenous groups, women's movements, and environmental groups. Although the mosaic of interlocking and connected issues and rights presents a complex map of social concerns and potentially a fragmented political force, these movements are likely to be at the centre of any future progressive politics in Latin America. As a result, they require careful understanding and a more nuanced theoretical approach. Drawing on insights from Latin American approaches to social movement theory, the book offers a distinctive contribution to social movement literature. The text incorporates detailed case studies and a methodological appendix for students wishing to develop their own research agendas in the field.