Opposing the neoliberal behemoth: deducing the nature of Bolivia's politically active indigenous women; the construction of a post-neoliberal 'feminist' epistemology?

Abstract

This Dissertation constructs a Marxist-feminist ideological analysis of indigenous women’s
activism in Bolivia. Practicing feminist standpoint methodology, I explore how a subjugated
perspective of indigenous women can expose the myopias of neoliberalism, and liberal
feminism. A legacy of macro-economic restructuring though Structural Adjustment
Programs (SAPs) lauded by international institutions such as the World Bank and IMF it
resulted in economic and culturally destructive consequences. I discuss how this fostered a
reactionary indigenous ‘neostructuralist’ movement against, which seeks to re-imagine the
trajectory of globalization, proposing a more holistic and culturally diverse conception of
development. It questions the legitimacy of hegemonic neoliberalism internationally. This
dissertation researches women’s activism in this movement for change. Through case-study
research, and detailed analysis practicing feminist standpoint methodology, I explore the
pluriethnic and holistic development trajectory they propose. In so doing, I reflect upon the
enriched and deepened feminist discourses one can engender through their ‘hybrid’ narratives,
which selectively adopt and adapt elements of liberal feminism to tackle discriminations
within their cultures.