Publication Date
2025
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
First Advisor
Schuller, Mark
Degree Name
M.A. (Master of Arts)
Legacy Department
Department of Anthropology
Abstract
Guatemala is an economically poor country, with a rich culture that makes it a destination for foreign assistance through non-governmental agencies (NGOs) and tourism. The history of conflict and foreign economic development within the country has created a dichotomy of identities, divided across economic wealth, ethnicity, and urban/rural landscapes. NGOs, their presence as transnational actors, and their organizational identities augment the identities present within the spaces in which NGOs work. Additionally, these identities are fluid and relational. I argue that the identities and relationships that form within the NGO space are reflective of NGO work and development structures. The identities and relationships that are present within an educational NGO reflect these power structures, as well as the identities and relationships of those working within the NGO space, such as community members, volunteers, and donors. The relationships formed from the identities present in the NGO space have the potential to sustain or alter these structures in the future.
Recommended Citation
Blomquist, Brittany Rebecca, "It's Not the Fault of the Parrot, But of the One Who Teaches Him to Talk: Understanding Identities and Relationships of an Educational NGO in Guatemala" (2025). Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations. 8051.
https://huskiecommons.lib.niu.edu/allgraduate-thesesdissertations/8051
Extent
126 pages
Language
en
Publisher
Northern Illinois University
Rights Statement
In Copyright
Rights Statement 2
NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.
Media Type
Text
Included in
Latin American Studies Commons, Organizational Behavior and Theory Commons, Social and Cultural Anthropology Commons
