Reckoning with Change in Yucatan: Histories of Care and Threat on a Former Hacienda

Reckoning with Change in Yucatán engages with how best to look upon and respond to change, arguing that this debate is an important arena for negotiating local belonging and a force of transformation in its own right.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Reckoning with Change in Yucatán delves into the intricate dynamics of embracing and responding to change, recognizing it as a vital platform for negotiating local identity and wielding transformative power. In the picturesque rural community of Chunchucmil, nestled in Yucatán, Mexico, history unfolds in a complex tapestry that defies simplistic narratives. The residents of Chunchucmil, who reside in a former 19th-century hacienda estate and a vibrant Catholic pilgrimage site, navigate their past, present, and future in distinct and profound ways. For instance, while some utilize the aging estate buildings to trace a narrative of economic decline and advocate for revitalization through the eyes of hotel developers, others emphasize the growing fame of the Virgin of the Rosary in the adjacent church and pledge to safeguard the site against any encroachment by developers. By examining the interplay between changing built environments, landscapes, sacred relics, and legal documents, this ethnographic study uncovers how the politics of change serve as a common language for the Chunchucmileños to engage in discussions about their commitments to place and one another in the present.

In contrast to Western notions of history as a relatively coherent account of change, the book proposes a reimagining of history as an ongoing performance that is inherently fragmented, democratic, and morally charged. This perspective challenges us to view history as a continuous process of negotiation and adaptation, where the past, present, and future intertwine in intricate ways. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the diverse voices and perspectives that shape historical narratives and the need to engage in open and inclusive dialogue to navigate the complexities of change.

Through the lens of Chunchucmil, Reckoning with Change in Yucatán sheds light on the ways in which individuals and communities navigate the transformative forces of change. It highlights the importance of acknowledging the complex interplay between heritage, identity, and the environment and the potential for conflict and collaboration that arises from these interconnections. The book encourages us to embrace the messiness and ambiguity of history and to find ways to leverage it as a catalyst for positive change and social transformation.

In conclusion, Reckoning with Change in Yucatán offers a thought-provoking exploration of the dynamics of change and its impact on local communities. By challenging traditional narratives of history and embracing a more fragmented and democratic perspective, the book provides valuable insights into the ways in which individuals and communities negotiate their identities and commitments to place in the face of rapid change. It serves as a reminder that history is not a static entity but a living, breathing performance that is shaped by the actions and choices of those who inhabit it.

Weight: 630g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367253660