Interculturalism As A Tool For Cross Cultural Equity Microform Education For Indigenous Communities In Chile And Argentina

This thesis examines the influences of asymmetric cross-cultural relations, between indigenous communities and the dominant society, in the intercultural discourse in education in Argentina and Chile since the end of dictatorship rule in the 1980's. It analyzes changes in the legal framework and in official and grassroots programs for intercultural bilingual education, taking into consideration the role of indigenous communities and organizations, non-governmental organizations, Nation-State governments, international institutions, and regional/international trends in interculturalism. I argue that the intercultural discourse is influenced by these actors in different and sometimes contradictory ways that do not necessarily contribute to more equitable cross-cultural relations. However, there exist possibilities for strengthening democratic forms of interculturalism within this context, in which the role of the local communities is of particular importance. This study also engages in a conceptual discussion of the meaning of the generally ambiguous term "interculturalism," particularly in relation to formal education.