7301 - No one told me! Intercultural and technological information gaps in indigenous community development

The increased participation and equality of indigenous citizens in democratic societies through processes of development and political inclusion can also be understood as one of the grandest yet most subtle tools for the subordination of different modes of social action and change. Disappointment in unmet expectations for development is expressed by indigenous people, cultural brokers and outsiders, often branding communities from within and without as unable to meet the ‘norms of being equal’ [see Boelens 2005]. Why is it so difficult to claim the right to both equality and difference? This paper will explore the question by examining the modes, processes and problems around information dissemination in an indigenous community. Ethnographic research, such as that I will discuss, dissolves myths of equality in the information age when applied to remote, aging and technologically ill-equipped communities who seek to engage with the state and multinational corporations for the purposes of self and community development.

Palabras claves: Chile, indigenous, intercultural communication, development

Autores: babidge, sally (University of Queensland, Australia / Australien)

