Condicionantes Históricos y Estructurales que Perpetúan el Despojo y la Marginación Indígena en México

The essay analyzes the historical conditions that have limited the development of Indigenous peoples in Mexico. It begins by examining the colonial construction of the category “Indian,” which, as Bonfil Batalla explains, does not represent a cultural identity but rather a relationship of domination that has perpetuated stigmas, discrimination, and marginalization. Over time, this perspective reduced Indigenous diversity to homogeneous and pejorative labels. The text also examines advances in the recognition of Indigenous rights, such as the UN Declaration and the ILO Convention 169, which emphasize self-determination, cultural identity, and prior consultation. However, these frameworks are insufficient in the face of dispossession and resource exploitation driven by state policies and capitalist logics. Drawing on Harvey, it explains that “accumulation by dispossession” continues to displace communities and degrade territories. Furthermore, the essay highlights the marginalization, labor precarization, and educational exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples, which deepen persistent inequalities. Finally, it warns of a process of cultural alienation and loss of Indigenous languages that threatens the continuity of their identities. In light of this, it proposes recognizing Indigenous autonomy, territory, and knowledge as the foundation for a just and plural development.