Ushering in change : Evo Morales' election and the transformation of indigenous social movements

Abstract

Social movements throughout Latin America continue to not only evolve, but also continue to gain important ground. A clear example is in Bolivia where indigenous social movements played an integral role in bringing to an end to the neoliberal experience and usher in a period of change- -a period brought the election of the country's first indigenous president, Evo Morales. These transformations, however, differ dramatically from social movements of the past. Social movements in the 21st century highlighted the importance ethnicity, while also addressing the gross social and economic inequalities that have stood the test of time. In this context, this study will examine the transformation of social movements from the 1952 Revolution to the neoliberal era where movements succeeded in toppling oppressive regimes--defining the change and course of their respective countries