PLURALISM AND IDENTITY IN BOLIVIA Global Political Challenges
DEFINING IDENTITY • “If you believe you are a citizen of the world, you are a citizen of nowhere.” Theresa May, 2016 (The Guardian, 12 October 2018) • In a more globalized, interconnected world, people become more aware of their identity. Andrew Heywood (2011) argues that identity politics attempt to overthrow oppression resulting in a process of “political -cultural self- assertion.” • Some of its manifestations are obvious in feminism, gay, lesbian and transgender movements, ethnic nationalism, multiculturalism and religious fundamentalism, etc. PLURALISM AND IDENTITY IN BOLIVIA: GLOBAL POLITICAL CHALLENGES 2
IDENTITY Topic 4: Identity This topic provides an opportunity to explore political issues connected to identity through a case study approach. Many of the topics, political issues and key concepts encountered in the four core units of this course are also central to discussions of identity. In a more interconnected, complex world, people become arguably more conscious of, and interested in, their own identity, also in ways that have political implications. For example, since 9/11 there has been increased attention on the significance of cultural and religious identity in global politics. Women and ethnic minorities’ identity can be similarly political, with debates in many societies about the appropriate line between the private and public spheres of life. The media coverage of treatment of cases of genocide and ethnic violence in institutions of international justice point towards the role identity can play in some of the most horrific conflicts of recent times. There are particularly strong links between this topic and the unit on human rights. International Baccalaureate 2019 PLURALISM AND IDENTITY IN BOLIVIA: GLOBAL POLITICAL CHALLENGES 3
LEARNING OUTCOMES Learning outcomes: • knowledge and understanding of a specific case study and a specific political issue related to identity • application of relevant key concepts, theories and ideas from the core units to analysis of the case • evaluation of the case study from different perspectives and in the wider context of global politics • an experience of having carried out a self-directed, teacher-supported research process and communicating the conclusions of this process through an oral presentation International Baccalaureate 2019 PLURALISM AND IDENTITY IN BOLIVIA: GLOBAL POLITICAL CHALLENGES 4
EXAMPLES Suggested examples Students must undertake a detailed case study relating to the global political challenge presented by identity, and deliver an oral presentation focused on a political issue embedded in the case. The case studies and political issues below are examples only. • Religion in Bhutan – role of identity politics in the peaceful evolution from absolutist monarchy to democracy • Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) marches in Eastern Europe from Belgrade in 2010 to present day – are attitudes changing? How and why? • Class identity in South Africa – how is the role of the working class changing in labour-related politics? • Race and incarceration in the USA – what are the reasons for, and the effects of, racial profiling in American policing? • National identity in Hungary – the Fidesz- led government’s use of national identity as a method to rally public support for its policies International Baccalaureate 2019 PLURALISM AND IDENTITY IN BOLIVIA: GLOBAL POLITICAL CHALLENGES 5
Case study – PLURALISM AND IDENTITY IN BOLIVIA PLURALISM AND IDENTITY IN BOLIVIA: GLOBAL POLITICAL CHALLENGES 6
TASK 1: BACKGROUND ON BOLIVIA Watch the introductory video. As you watch, write down some geographical, political, economic and social data about Bolivia PLURALISM AND IDENTITY IN BOLIVIA: GLOBAL POLITICAL CHALLENGES 7
TASK 1: continued • Read the BBC Country Profile and Evo Morales Profile • Answer the following questions found in the Workbook: 1. Explain the significance of having a traditional flag and the Wiphala on nationalism in Bolivia. 2. How do you think Bolivia’s resources and geographical relief impact its levels of development? 3. What about the ethnic mix of Bolivia’s population and its culture? 4. How do all of the above affect Bolivia’s national identity? PLURALISM AND IDENTITY IN BOLIVIA: GLOBAL POLITICAL CHALLENGES 8
PLURALISM IS… An umbrella concept for policy A value proposition responses to diversity: • An ethic of respect for diversity • multiculturalism • a positive response to diversity • affirmative action • multi-/bilingualism Contextual — depends on • • minority rights nature of diversity • • origin of the state anti-discrimination • how citizenship is defined • human rights • indigenous rights A process, not a product • gender equality • requires continuous investment and the means to compromise • federalism PLURALISM AND IDENTITY IN BOLIVIA: GLOBAL POLITICAL CHALLENGES 9
PLURALISM IS NOT … A synonym for diversity • Pluralism is a positive response to the presence of diversity. A challenge faced only by developing countries • Living peacefully with diversity is a global challenge . An automatic outcome of liberal democracy • Pluralism requires deliberate choices and steps. A short-term fix • Pluralism takes time and continuous effort, as Canada’s pluralism story shows. CIVIC EXCLUSION • exacerbates conditions of economic exclusion and vice versa . • often stems from narrow definitions of citizenship and national identity. PLURALISM AND IDENTITY IN BOLIVIA: GLOBAL POLITICAL CHALLENGES 10
PLURALISM: PROCESS NOT A PRODUCT Will Kymlicka: pluralism requires hardware and “ National identities are by no means software the only factor that shape citizens’ cultural habits — we learn many of our Hardware: institutions, habits in more local neighbourhoods constitutions, legislation, or associations. ” courts, media, schools, curriculum, policies Will Kymlicka (2017) Software: identity, cultural habits, public mindset, beliefs, narratives PLURALISM AND IDENTITY IN BOLIVIA: GLOBAL POLITICAL CHALLENGES 11
TASK 2: THE ROAD TO A MORE PLURALISTIC SOCIETY • Read Andrew Heywood’s “ The two nationalisms: good and bad?” found in the Workbook 1. Write the definitions for : 2. Compare the two types of nationalism. PLURALISM AND IDENTITY IN BOLIVIA: GLOBAL POLITICAL CHALLENGES 12
BBC VIDEO: BOLIVIA Watch BBC journalist Paul Mason’s short video on Bolivia (2006) and answer the following questions: 1. Explain the attitudes of people in Santa Cruz. How do economic factors and ethnicity impact Bolivia as a nation- state ? Are there any global connections? 2. What hardware and software factors are at play here? 3. How does identity impact pluralism ? 4. How do concepts such as nation-state, pluralism and civic nations (mentioned earlier) impact each other? PLURALISM AND IDENTITY IN BOLIVIA: GLOBAL POLITICAL CHALLENGES 13
GLOBAL CENTRE FOR PLURALISM (GCP) - PREMISES FOR PLURALISM Pluralistic societies are More inclusive societies promote • inclusive and equitable in • shared benefits outlook and impact • equality and human rights inclusive • civic nations where citizenship citizenship stems from shared membership in the state rather • more effective democracies than ethno-cultural identity • peace and security • peaceful because differences are managed based on mutual • economic wellbeing recognition and respect • inclusive development • innovation and creativity • global competitive advantage www.pluralism.ca PLURALISM AND IDENTITY IN BOLIVIA: GLOBAL POLITICAL CHALLENGES 14
CHALK TALK • To what extent can Bolivia be considered a nation-state ? • How important is identity in Bolivia (culture, ethnicity, gender)? • Is Bolivia now a more pluralistic state? (look for hardware and software factors [W. Kymlicka]) • Is Evo Morales’s Bolivia a more “ stable state ”? (F. Fukuyama) PLURALISM AND IDENTITY IN BOLIVIA: GLOBAL POLITICAL CHALLENGES 15
TASK 3: THE CHALLENGES OF PLURALISM – CONSIDERING MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES Lesson starter/warmer PLURALISM AND IDENTITY IN BOLIVIA: GLOBAL POLITICAL CHALLENGES 16
Lesson starter/warmer PLURALISM AND IDENTITY IN BOLIVIA: GLOBAL POLITICAL CHALLENGES 17
CIRCLE OF VIEWPOINTS 1. Outline what you learned from the excerpt you researched (take turns presenting based on the questions you answered). Present your perspective by starting with “I think ...” 2. After listening to all points in your group, present an opinion on how different interest groups see Bolivia moving forward at this point. • mestistos • indigenous peoples • the current ruling class • Evo Morales • TNCs (transnational corporations) • others? 3. Reflect: How are different interests challenging pluralism and identity? PLURALISM AND IDENTITY IN BOLIVIA: GLOBAL POLITICAL CHALLENGES 18
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