Comparing and sharing decolonial methodologies: Examples from Guatemala and Mexico

Abstract (English)

We begin this panel with the premise that efforts at decolonization are at least as varied as are processes of colonization and then move on to an exploration of concrete attempts at decolonizing methodologies by researchers who work in Guatemala and Mexico. While these two countries share a border and many historical and cultural similarities--leading to certain common interests, including the study of indigenous communities--the topics of anthropological focus are often quite distinct. The decades-long Guatemalan Civil War and its aftermath have greatly influenced anthropologists’ interests in Guatemala as well as their methodological and theoretical approaches. While Mexico does not have the same kind of defining historical event in recent years, certain emphases can undoubtedly be identified, such as migration and indigenous movements. We wish to explore how these neighboring, but distinctive, anthropological traditions have led to similarities and differences in paths toward decolonizing methodologies, as well as to examine what, in particular, these two traditions have to offer the global project of decolonization. While the focus of this panel is on these two areas, our hope is to take advantage of WAU’s global reach to foment a comparative discussion and to share and disseminate proposals regarding the decolonization of methodologies with an audience that includes specialists working on other world regions.