Peasant politics in the rural parishes of Cuenca, 1995-2005

Abstract

This article examines the emergence of rural leaders in the parishes of the canton of Cuenca, called “cholos políticos” [indigenous peasant politicians] in the context of peasant politics. The testimonies of rural parish leaders are the key sources for the research. The article first provides a baseline situation of the subject in the literature on racial constructs and politics; afterwards, it reviews what has been called the process of establishing a “peasant citizenry”. To this end, it examines the demands made by parish leaders of the canton of Cuenca, a territory marked by rationalization and social discrimination because of its peasant origins.