Ethnopolitics in Ecuador : Indigenous Rights and the Strengthening of Democracy

Ethnopolities in Ecuador explores the rise of a vigorous contemporary indigenous movement in Ecuador, tracking the political and social transformations it has generated.

Funding for bilingual literacy programs, participation in local and national politics after centuries of exclusion, and expanded protection for the rights of a growing number of self-identified members are among the movement's most important successes.

By securing a voice in the political system while maintaining cultural distinctiveness, the indigenous mobilization in Ecuador has challenged traditional concepts of the nation-state and democracy.

Selverston-Scher concludes that democracy actually is stengthened when a nation recognizes indigenous rights and affirms its diversity, instead of empbasizing cultural homogeneity.

Based on in-depth case studies and field observations, as well as literature in political science, history, and sociology, her work presents Ecuador's positive experience with ethnopolitics as a possible model for other multiethnic political systems.