PhD defence
Immaterielles kulturelles Erbe, kollektive Identität und Bildung in der Ixil-Region, El Quiché, Guatemala
- C.N. Aretz
- Date
- Tuesday 3 February 2026
- Time
- Location
-
Academy Building
Rapenburg 73
2311 GJ Leiden
Supervisor(s)
Summary
This dissertation examines the diverse processes of collective identity formation in the Ixil region, located in the department of El Quiché, Guatemala. The analysis focuses on examining the effects of socio-economic problems and historical ruptures from the civil war on the construction of collective identities within the communities.
The study considers the following thematic areas: intangible cultural heritage, the construction of collective identities, the impact of an Ixil cultural movement, and formal state as well as innovative, non-state indigenous education. The study offers details about the everyday lives of the communities and includes elements of intangible cultural heritage. These are expressions of cultural resilience and testify to a conscious, selective approach to individual components.
Further, it identifies community divisions as a consequence of the civil war and illustrates local strategies for constructing collective identity. The work of a cultural organisation, Fundamaya, demonstrates agency among indigenous peoples and points out the complexities of identity formation. The text also discusses educational disparities among the youth and advocates for a reformed, culturally inclusive education system that fosters dialogue and recognises diverse perspectives to overcome social divisions.
PhD dissertations
Approximately one week after the defence, PhD dissertations by Leiden PhD students are available digitally through the Leiden Repository, that offers free access to these PhD dissertations. Please note that in some cases a dissertation may be under embargo temporarily and access to its full-text version will only be granted later.
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