The Double Binds of Indigeneity and Indigenous Resistance

Humanities, Vol. 5(3), 2016

19 Pages Posted: 22 Jul 2016

See all articles by Francis Ludlow

Francis Ludlow

Trinity College (Dublin)

Lauren Baker

Yale University - School of Forestry and Environmental Studies

Samara Brock

Yale University, School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Students

Chris Hebdon

Yale University, School of Forestry and Environmental Studies

Michael R Dove

Yale University

Date Written: July 20, 2016

Abstract

During the twentieth century, indigenous peoples have often embraced the category of indigenous while also having to face the ambiguities and limitations of this concept. Indigeneity, whether represented by indigenous people themselves or others, tends to face a "double bind", as defined by Gregory Bateson, in which "no matter what a person does, he can't win." One exit strategy suggested by Bateson is meta-communication — communication about communication — in which new solutions emerge from a questioning of system-internal assumptions. We offer case studies from Ecuador, Peru and Alaska that chart some recent indigenous experiences and strategies for such scenarios.

Keywords: Double-Bind; Indigeneity; Resistance; Sumak Kawsay; REDD; Bristol Bay; Development; Land Rights; Self-Determination; Counter-Mapping

Suggested Citation

Ludlow, Francis and Baker, Lauren and Brock, Samara and Hebdon, Chris and Dove, Michael R, The Double Binds of Indigeneity and Indigenous Resistance (July 20, 2016). Humanities, Vol. 5(3), 2016, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2812339

Francis Ludlow (Contact Author)

Trinity College (Dublin) ( email )

2-3 College Green
Dublin, Leinster D2
Ireland

Lauren Baker

Yale University - School of Forestry and Environmental Studies ( email )

New Haven, CT 06511
United States

Samara Brock

Yale University, School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Students ( email )

New Haven, CT 06511
United States

Chris Hebdon

Yale University, School of Forestry and Environmental Studies ( email )

New Haven, CT 06511
United States

Michael R Dove

Yale University ( email )

Kroon Hall
195 Prospect Street
New Haven, CT 06511
United States
203-432-3463 (Phone)

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
81
Abstract Views
589
Rank
547,134
PlumX Metrics