Unity, diversity, and resistance: The fight for maíz criollo in southern México

Rosen, Jenica

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/49665 Copy

Description

Title

Unity, diversity, and resistance: The fight for maíz criollo in southern México

Author(s)

Rosen, Jenica

Issue Date

2014-05-30T17:03:43Z

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

de Mejia, Elvira G.

Department of Study

Latin American & Carib Studies

Discipline

Latin American Studies

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.A.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• maize
• transgenic corn
• Genetically modified (GM) maize
• Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
• social movements
• Mexico
• milpa
• small farmers

Abstract

México is the world’s point of origin for corn, with thousands of different varieties all sprouting from one common ancestor, teosinte. It is due to this culturally rich and biologically diverse history of corn in México that the GM maize debates of the region are of particular relevance. This thesis aims to serve as a well-rounded presentation of the social resistance against transgenic corn and the fight for maíz criollo occurring in southern México today. In chapter two I discuss México’s history of corn modernization and the affiliated social movements that have grown in opposition as a response. The chapter contextualizes the current movement, as well as highlights the recycled rhetoric and lackluster results which we continue to see today with transgenic corn. In chapter three I discuss the main arguing points given by the proponents of transgenic crop use in developing countries. In illustrating their arguments, this chapter seeks to demonstrate who movement participants are up against, what their arguments are, and how they are framed. After the contextualization of the movement in the previous two chapters, chapter four discusses the current movement and the arguments of growing greater support for maíz criollo in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, México. The chapter draws heavily from my own qualitative research, as well as from a variety of literature. This thesis ultimately uncovers two crucial points: 1) the misunderstanding of social movements as being conceptually homogenous, when in fact they are extremely heterogeneous, and 2) the depth of disconnection which lies between proponents and opponents of transgenic corn use in México. I argue that by responsibly putting these findings into practice, more people may be able to work together toward the mutually respectful and foreseen successes that the region purportedly seeks to create otherwise.

Graduation Semester

2014-05

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/49665

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2014 Jenica M. Rosen

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