Abstract

This study is a Foucauldian exploration of 'Living Well,' an alternative discourse of climate change inspired by indigenous Andean worldviews and championed by the Bolivian MAS government. As climate change accelerates, the world looks for solutions to the impending climate crises. 'Living Well' proposes that the climate crisis has resulted from the global hegemony of neoliberalism and in response, it proposes a vision of life based on communal values, dialogue, popular participation, and simplistic living. To explore this resistance movement, I conducted nine in-depth interviews with environmentally engaged citizens of Cochabamba, Bolivia. I suggest that 'Living Well' is not singular. In contrast, there are two main distinct interpretations resulting from the diametrically opposing Andean worldview (cosmovision) and Occidental worldview. I argue that its practice will be realized through the culmination of grassroots environmental action, directly connected to emerging citizenship regimes based on popular sovereignty, and struggles for inter-cultural dialogue.

Advisor

Craven, Christa

Department

Sociology and Anthropology

Disciplines

Anthropology

Keywords

bolivia, dialogue, climate change, environment, discourse, foucault, neoliberalism

Publication Date

2011

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2011 Christopher Marino