Introduction
The Aymara people of South America have experienced social frustration and conflict due to colonial forces, specifically the Spanish. Colonial subjugation has led to the exploitation of the Aymara and a great deal of inequality in terms of access to resources and power.
Impact of the Spanish Tributary Labor System on the Aymara
Specifically, the Spanish enforced a tributary system of forced labor. This system of servitude and forced labor had a tremendous negative impact on the Aymara people. It drained their resources, limited their ability to pursue their livelihoods, and forced them to work in unsafe and oppressive conditions (Salazar 27). This form of servitude also caused considerable social frustration, as the Aymara were unable to seek out better opportunities and were forced to work in conditions far beneath their worth.
Deviance Stemming from Social Frustration and Inequality
The frustration and inequality caused by the tributary system of servitude have led to a significant amount of deviance within Aymara society. In particular, there have been instances of fraudulent practices, including the sale of counterfeit documents and the fabrication of land titles. The frustration of the Aymara people has also led to the emergence of a black market for goods and services, as well as illegal activities such as smuggling and theft. Furthermore, the frustration has led to an increase in violence, including physical and verbal abuse, as well as the use of weapons.
Colonial Accusations of Deviance as a Tool of Control
In addition to the deviance that has arisen from the frustration of the Aymara people, there have also been accusations of deviance. In particular, the Spanish colonial forces accused the Aymara of being lazy and unproductive (Salazar 92). These accusations have been seen as a way to demonize the Aymara people and justify their subjugation. Furthermore, these accusations have been used to justify using violent force against the Aymara people to maintain control.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Aymara people of South America suffered immense social frustration and conflict, stemming from their colonial subjugation and the imposed tributary system of servitude. This oppression led to considerable deviance within Aymara society itself, which was compounded by accusations of deviance leveled against them by Spanish colonial forces. These factors collectively intensified the Aymara’s social conflict and distress.
Work Cited
Salazar, Inocente. Spirit, Symbols, and Change among the Aymara: A Blind Shaman’s Guide to a Maryknoll Missionary in Peru. Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2021.