Exploring the Impacts of State Policies on Pacific Coastal Mexican Communities: A Cultural Anthropologist’s Perspective

The Central Colorado Humanists will host a Sunday Science program on July 7, 2024 featuring a discussion on “Cultural Anthropology in Pacific Coastal Mexico.” Dr. Russ McGoodwin, a cultural anthropologist and Professor Emeritus at the University of Colorado-Boulder, will present his findings from conducting field work in a small, impoverished rural village on Mexico’s Pacific coast.

Dr. McGoodwin has spent several decades studying fishing communities, fisheries-management policies and their impact on the social and economic lives of villagers. He relied heavily on key informants and close friends in the village to conduct his research using both quantitative and qualitative methods.

In his presentation, Dr. McGoodwin will discuss how state and regional policies emphasizing the export of marine resources have contributed to the ongoing poverty and degradation of marine ecosystems in the region. With experience working in fishing communities around the world and holding appointments at various prestigious institutions, Dr. McGoodwin has focused on developing fisheries-management policies that promote the well-being and food security of small-scale fishing communities globally.

The Central Colorado Humanists sponsor Sunday Science programs on the first Sunday of each month at the Scout Hut in Salida. The program begins at 10:00 a.m., with doors opening at 9:30 a.m. Admission is free, and the presentation is aimed at being understandable by both scientists and non-scientists. The public is welcome to attend this intriguing discussion about fascinating science topics so be sure to join us for this captivating event!