November 9–10, 2010

Indigenous Socio-Economic Change, Health and Well-Being in the Amazon

This research team seminar focused on the health impacts of market economies on indigenous peoples, an area where surprisingly few large-scale comparative studies or theory development have been undertaken. Studying a range of health measures in a cross-cultural sample of four indigenous Amazonian groups—the Kichwa, Cofán, Waorani, and Shuar—experiencing different levels of market participation, “our research aims are to investigate variation in health, and to examine the mechanisms through which market integration influences health through reciprocity networks, mobility, diet, and access to and use of medical care,” said the co-chairs. “How do diverse populations of Native Amazonians relate to each other and the natural environment in a time of rapid economic change catalyzed by forces such as tourism, petroleum exploitation, and urbanization? How do these populations make tradeoffs, seek opportunities, and adapt to markets?”

In addition to theoretical significance, the project is timely and has real world importance. “Indigenous market integration can intensify land and resource use patterns, disrupt patterns of reciprocity and social inter-dependence, encourage mobility outside the community, alter dietary patterns and nutritional status, and lead to changing aspirations and increased stressors,” said the co-chairs.

“The purpose of the seminar was to provide focused time for the research team to compile and discuss the project findings and begin plans for publication and dissemination of results. It was very useful and occurred at a key juncture for our project, the period in which data collection was complete, preliminary results analyzed, and group input needed for interpretation and next steps,” reported the co-chairs.

Flora Lu, Chair
Assistant Professor, Department of Latin American and Latino Studies, University of California, Santa Cruz

Mark Sorensen, Chair
Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Dayuma Alban
Independent Scholar, Quito, Ecuador

Kati Alvarez
Project Coordinator, Department of Anthropology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Citlali Doljanin
Ethnographer, Quito, Ecuador

David Hidrobo
Ethnographer, Quito, Ecuador

Paul Leslie
Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Ana Isabel Oña
Project Administrator, Department of Anthropology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Bram Tucker
Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of Georgia