Multiple Otherness in Development: Transcending Ethnic Interculturality

Abstract

Development projects impact material and symbolic conditions of existence, not only those of ethnic groups but those of diverse social groups. The article identifies that regulations no dot recognize multiple Otherness in development, even that Otherness within margins of Western selfhood. Even if regulation of ethnic rights has shown progress, it essentializes ethnicity and does not allow that Other subjects claims find resolution through participation and autonomy rights. Understanding development projects as relational spaces, these projects could operate as regimes of Otherness —of lifestyles, identifications, vital spaces, socioenvironmental relationships, development vision—. However, in its current configuration, interculturalism manifests itself as social, environmental and political conflicts, and not, as the possibility of recognizing the Other and Otherness. The article seeks to transcend ethnicity in the conceptualization of Otherness and interculturality in the context of development.