Between tradition and the modern project: life projects of Pewenche rural young people

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the construction process of the life projects of rural Pewenche youth in Lonquimay. In order to understand this process, a methodological approach based on social phenomenology was used to highlight the experience of the participants and their significant contexts, facilitating a dialogue between cultures through an intercultural facilitator. To obtain the data, semi-structured interviews were conducted with four young people, four relatives of young people, and four teachers in the target area. The data analysis was conducted using a thematic analysis approach. Six themes emerged from the analysis: (a) Life project from the Mapuche Kimün; (b) Territory as a generative space for life projects; (c) The aspiration to enhance oneself and transform one’s territory; (d) Change in the educational experience across generations; (e) Between tradition and modernity: technology arrived in the territories; and (f) Difficulties faced by young people in the territory. Generational changes that influence the construction of life projects from the Mapuche Kimün are identified. In addition, the main desire of the younger generation is to enhance the quality of life of the lof upon completion of their studies. Furthermore, obstacles to the construction of life projects among rural Pewenche youth are also identified, with the most significant challenges being the consumption of alcohol and other drugs, teenage pregnancy, economic and family difficulties, and lack of land. The visualization of cultural and community particularities allows for the construction of life projects that integrate traditional and territorial elements with modernity. This integration represents a form of resistance to cultural domination.