The state system and the state idea in a marginalized neighbourhood of Cochabamba, Bolivia

• Autores: Jorge David Mantilla
• Localización: Chakiñan: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, ISSN-e 2550-6722, Nº. 4, 2018, págs. 43-52
• Idioma: inglés
• Enlaces
  • Texto completo (pdf)
• Resumen

  • This paper analyses how the public policies of potable water distribution have influenced the perceptions people in Villa Chaquimayu, a marginalized neighbourhood of Cochabamba (Bolivia), have about the State. This analysis is based on the theoretical distinction between ‘State-system’ and ‘State-idea’ proposed by Abrams (1988). Following Abrams, this paper examines both the practices the Bolivian State has implemented to deliver potable water to Villa Chaquimayu (State-system), and the notions people in this neighbourhood have about the State (State-idea). By using ethnographic data, this investigation shows that a deficient public management of potable water distribution has negatively influenced people’s ideas and perceptions about what is the State.