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Research topics in:
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Sociology |
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Antkowiak, Lara, "Envisioning the Future: Exploring the Connection Between Community Values and Goals for the Future in Cañitas de Abangares, Guanacaste." Adv. Ilse Leitinger. Carleton. 1994. 23 pp. This investigation, completed during March and April of 1994, explores the relationship between community values and goals for the future in Cañitas de Abangares of Guanacaste. The research focuses on the values of the children, using these values as indicators of the type of future they want. The values and hypothesized desires of the children are discussed within the context of the values and desires of adult community members. In addition, information on the physical layout and topography of the area enhances the understanding of the development of the community values. Data were obtained through informal interviews with adults, and play activities, such as drawings or outings, with the children. The findings demonstrate the significance of the physical layout in forming community values. Additionally, research results indicate incongruence between values and goals. The recommendations emphasize the need to discuss the implications of stated goals in terms of expressed values. They also encourage increased community participation, so that community members can create a future compatible with community values. Baum, Alisa, "Factors Affecting Artisans' Productivity at CASEM, a Craft Cooperative in Monteverde, Costa Rica." Adv. Ilse Leitinger. Cornell. 1990. 34pp. This study analizes the factors that affect production of craft products by women members of the Cooperativa de Artesanía de Santa Elena-Monteverde (CASEM) to help the CASEM administration resolve the problem of productivity variation. The sample consisted of ten women identified as low-quality or low-quality producers, or both. The results provide summary information in four categories: (1) personal information on associates; (2) household facilities, associates' household obligations, and conditions for CASEM production; (3) associates' CASEM participation; and (4) associates' attitudes towards their work and CASEM. Many factors did not seem to affect productivity as anticipated, such as age and techniques the associate uses. Other factors seemed to reduce productivity of the low producers, such as the presence of small children in the house and work orientation. Some factors affected all associates, such as health and vision problems and distance of their home from CASEM. In addition, some problems within the CASEM organization seemed to hamper productivity, such as unreliable inventory of supplies and a lack of clear communication between the CASEM administration and the associates. The study ended with a presentation to the CASEM administration of the findings and suggestions of ways to enhance productivity. Bellomy, Karen, "The Community of Cañitas, Costa Rica: An Assessment of Community Characteristics, Factors Influencing Organization and Participation, and the Role of Monteverde 2020." Adv. Ilse Leitinger. Grinnell. 1992. 34pp. In Costa Rica's Monteverde area, El Plan de Desarrollo Integral de Monteverde 2020 has, for a few years, facilitated democratic community planning within Monteverde itself. Monteverde 2020 has now begun to practice its belief that the outlying communities which send milk to the cheese factory are also important to the creation of a desirable future for the area. This paper addresses the particular case of Cañitas. In this community, the majority of the adult women work in the Monteverde-based womens' craft cooperative, CASEM, while the men mainly work on farms or in the cheese factory. The presence of a school, a pulpería and a small meeting house prove the existence of some kind of communal association among the residents. However, an umbrella problem that influences the existence of the other problems of Cañitas is lack of sufficient organization and participation in communal activities within the town. Possible factors affecting the formation of this problem include 1) the ages of both the community and the residents, 2) religious differences, 3) gender perspectives on participation, and 4) close proximity of Cañitas to the urban corridor of Santa Elena, Cerro Plano, and Monteverde. In light of this overreaching problem, Monteverde 2020 will need to contribute a lot of support and organizational skills to its program in Cañitas in order for the endeavor there to succeed. Boostrom, Jenna Marie, "Ecotourism in Rural Communities: Origins and Impacts." Adv. José María Rodriguez de la Guardia. Knox. 2003. The purpose of this study is to define and explore ecotourism in rural communities in the light of its economic, ecological and social impacts, both positive and negative. The study will focus on two communities that are currently in different stages of developing ecotourism, El Silencio in the province of Puntarenas and La Fortuna in the Alajuela province. The researcher intends to determine the communities' goals with regard to the development and marketing of ecotourism and then compare the two communities in terms of the implementation of this activity and the progress made in this area. Carman, Erica, "Development in Boruca." Adv. Lic. Aida Blanco Vargas. Coe College. 1995. 44pp. The focus of this investigation is to study aspects of development in Boruca, Costa Rica. the field work took place during March and April of 1995. The methodological mechanism used in order to obtain the data in this social study in the indigenous community of Boruca, was principally informal personal interviews, in accordance with the manner that allowed the responders to feel most comfortable. The results of this study came form taking a profound look into the 25 organized groups in the community. The resulting observations and other general observations obtained during the research period in Boruca, revealed important information on the economy (as it related to social structure and ouside aid); aspects that had to do with the characteristics, behavior, and manner of thinking of different members of this community. Also, how all of this has had effects on Borucan life and community development was looked at. The standards and condition of living was taken into consideration in order to see how these contributed as well to better understanding the total concept of development in Boruca. Carr, Jana, "A Profile of Personal Experience: The Women of La Unión Femenina." Adv. Ligia Martín. Grinnell. 1990. 30pp. This study, conducted during March and April of 1990 with the ACM Field Study program, examines a women's sewing group, La Unión Femenina de Bernabela, Guanacaste. Through recording the history of this group, which hopes to become a cooperative, and focusing on the personal experiences of its members, this study aims to determine how working in La Unión Femenina has affected the lives of the women beyond pure economic benefits. The paper concludes that the women find importance in their work through unique learning opportunities, through interacting within a group, and through a newfound security derived from earning money. Combined, these opportunities translate into a positive and motivating experience for the women which has been the main factor in the creation of an organization which operates successfully as a cooperativa de autogestión. |
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Clarke, Amy Catherine, "An Investigation of the History, Evolution, and Organization of the Artisans' Group in Boruca, Costa Rica." Adv. Elsa Marshall. Cornell. 1991. 38pp. This work documents the history, evolution, and organization of the artisans' group in the indigenous town of Boruca, Costa Rica. The information was gathered through a series of interviews with various weavers, a short questionnaire, and a census used to determine the population and percentage of artisans in the town. Through this study I found that the artisans' group does not achieve its goal of providing a significant market for the members. However, I came to the conclusion that the group does provide an important front that enables the members to receive the outside aid that they need to continue producing and selling their artwork which they would not receive if they continued working individually. I also came to the conclusion that the artisans' group is at a turning point and their actions in the next couple of months will determine their continued existence as a group as they struggle with integration into the market system which means learning how to deal withsituations that are outside of their cultural upbringing. Coventry, Angela, "Good Morning Teacher! English as a foreign language in public elementary schools: Practical or political?" Adv. Jeanina Umaña. Colorado College. 1995. 58 pp. During the months of March and April of 1995, I studied the implementation of English in the Sámara community. In 1993, the Costa Rican government under the direction of President José María Figueres declared that all public schools should begin providing bilingual instruction in Spanish and English. As a second pilot project in 1995, English was introduced as an additional subject in the curriculum of first, second and third grades of selected rural schools throughout the country. Sámara being the location of two of those schools selected, my study was done in order to determine the community's initial reactions to the new program, as well as the community's expectations for the future of the children receiving English. I worked as an assistant teacher alternating between Torito and Sámara schools to observe the actual teaching situation, and completed questionnaires during informal interviews with the parents of children receiving English. This paper includes the results of these inquiries, as well as further personal insights into the politics involved in the new Program of Foreign Languages. Dickey, Karen, "Parents' Assessment of The Creative Learning Center, a Growing Private School in Santa Elena, Costa Rica." Adv. Ilse Leitinger. Whitman College. 1995. 49pp. El Centro de Educación Creativa, The Creative Learning Center (CLC) is a private bilingual English immersion school in Santa Elena that centers its curriculum around environmental education. Using structured interviews conducted during March and April of 1995, I studied the parents who send their children to the school and their assessment of the school. I found the most positive aspects of the school according to the parents were the bilingual education and the quality of the teaching. The parents were concerned about cost, discipline, and the Spanish classes. I also addressed the issue of the mixture of cultures in the school. I examined how the school can address parents' concerns and how the school can utilize the information found to achieve its long-term goals. Ernst, Kerry A., "Problems, Needs, and Aspirations of Single Mothers in Santa Elena de Puntarenas: An Assessment as Basis for a Support Program Sponsored by the Monteverde Institute." adv. Ilse Leitinger. Beloit. 1995. 20pp. This investigation, completed during March and April of 1995, seeks to identify the problems, needs and future aspirations of the single mothers in Santa Elena de Puntarenas. Kerry Ernst, ACM, and Kira Strong, ICADS, worked together with the Monteverde Institute. Research focused on collecting demographic and qualitative data in order to answer the above-stated question through informal structured short interviews and in-depth long interviews. The collected information will then serve as a basis for a support program sponsored and conducted by the Monteverde Institute. The findings suggest that the women do not want more children, and know about birth control, but they are not using it. Also, an emphasis needs to be placed on the education of the children of single mothers. Other needs include counseling for both the women and their children and child care. In addition, the women generally are not focusing on the future, but rather are trying to live from day to day and make ends meet. They would like to continue working in order to provide an education for their children or, one day, own their home. Goodlette, Tami F., "The Effects of an Indigenous Reservation on the Community of Matambú, Guanacaste." Adv. Moisés León. Colorado. 1991. 37pp. This paper researches the effects of an indigenous reservation on a group of people who lack such an ethnic identity. It examines the underlying assumptions made by the declaration of a land as an indigenous reservation, and tries to discover if these assumptions hold true in the case of the Chorotegan Reservation of Matambú. It explores indigenism of the past, present, and future of the community. |
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Grosby, Samantha, "Children of Today, Citizens of 2020: Children and their Vision of jobs for the Future in the Santa Elena-Monteverde Urbanizing Corridor." Adv. Ilse Leitinger. Macalester. 1994. 33pp. In past years, El Plan de Desarrollo Integral de Monteverde 2020 (Monteverde's Integrated Development Plan for the year 2020) has facilitated dialogue between various community groups in Costa Rica's Santa Elena-Monteverde area. This year MV2020 recognized children as community members and future community leaders, asking for more information on their hopes and goals for the future. Within the framework of that question, this study focuses on children's goals with regard to occupation or career, and explores some of the factors which may affect those goals, such as gender and urbanization. Using data gathered through 110 informal interviews, drawings, maps and class conversations with children, the analysis describes what children want to be when they grow up, how the chosen jobs are distributed in terms of gender, their parents' jobs and approximate level of education, and the children's concerns for the future of the area. This information, as well as suggestions for the diversification of the workforce through a wider utilization of women in the workforce, was presented to MV2020 and interested community leaders to be used in continued development of the zone. Guenther, Megan, "Diagnóstico preliminar de los programas de prevención de la agresión en contra del niño en el Cantón de Pococí y los conocimientos de maestras y padres de familia acerca del tema." Adv. Dr. Freddy Ulate. University of Chicago. 1995. 92pp. During March and April 1995, I conducted a study of the knowledge of teachers and parents about child abuse and services for abused children in the Cantón of Pococí. My project had three main parts. I observed the services in the area: the Committee for Abused Children of the Hospital of Guápiles, the Clinic of Attention for Adolescents and the committees for abused children in the central elementary schools in Guápiles and La Rita. I talked with teachers in the central elementary schools in the five districts of the cantón and in the school of Barra del Colorado del Norte about their knowledge of the subject of child abuse and their methods of teaching about the subject. Finally, I interviewed twenty-five parents from the six schools about their knowledge of the subject and the services available to abused children in the cantón. With my results, I was able to evaluate the preventive services and the knowledge of the population studied. This information will serve as the first part of a larger study conducted by the Department of Social Work in the Hospital of Guápiles with the aim of better enabling the department to develop programs to prevent child abuse. Hanson, Joel C., "Community Creation Seen from San Luis: Bringing into Focus a Vision of the Future for the Santa Elena-Monteverde Region of Costa Rica." Adv. Ilse Leitinger. St. Olaf. 1991. 27pp. Participation of any kind is influenced by many factors. This study examines the factors that affect peoples participation in the community organizations of San Luis, a community located due south of the center of the Santa Elena-Monteverde region of Costa Rica. Working with a committee of future-oriented community organization called El Plan de Desarrollo Integral Monteverde 2020, two fellow researchers and I sought to answer two questions: In what ways do people participate in community development? Why do some people participate, while others do not? The present study focuses on fourteen community members in San Luis, nine men and five women. The results of interviews with them yield a typology of four distinct groups of people and an understanding of the personal and contextual factors that affect participation. The results indicate (1) that gender is a key factor affecting organizational involvement, (2) that we must acknowledge a person's entire life-circumstances when studying participation, and (3) that the most powerful constraining or enabling factor may be one's own learned sense of control or non-control. The study concluded with a presentation to the committee of the organization, a presentation which included a summary of our results as well as suggestions for increasing peoples level of involvement in community organizations. Highum, Kristen, "Manifestaciones en las paredes: Estudio sociolingüístico sobre la opinión estudiantil del graffiti presente en dos universidades públicas de Costa Rica". Advisor: Paula Mellom. St. Olaf College. 2004. 36pp. This study examines the university student population's perceptions and opinions about the graffiti present at the University of Costa Rica (San Pedro Montes de Oca) and the National University (Heredia) during March and April, 2004. During the two-month research period, interviews were conducted with university students to investigate their perception of graffiti. Also, weekly visits to both university campuses were made in order to document the graphic inscriptions on the walls. With the data from the interviews and observations, analysis was then performed to see which, if any, factors influenced the students' opinions about the phenomenon. Through the investigation, graffiti proved to be a successful medium for social manifestation. However, many students believe that the university property should not be used to express oneself through graffiti. In addition, factors, such as area of study and place of birth, influenced the university students' perceptions of graffiti. As a study focused on the sociological impact of written language, this investigation provides valuable information about the current perception of graffiti on public university campuses in Costa Rica. Krall, Angie M., "The Symbiotic Relationship between a Tourist Boom-Town and a Rural Community in Guanacaste, Costa Rica." Adv. Ilse Leitinger. Colorado. 1991. 36pp. This paper provides a survey describing participation in tourism by the residents of Villareal, Guanacaste, and their economic relationship with the beach town of Tamarindo. Research focuses on the factors preventing the local population from earning a larger percentage of income from the tourist trade, as well as how social change is taking place due to its close proximity. After discussing methodology, preconceptions, community life, and history of tourism, the four most significant findings are as follows: 1.) Culturally-based problems are affecting ability to enjoy greater economic gain from tourism. 2.) Negative preconceptions of starting a private enterprise coupled with the lack of business education and outside competition make local enterprise near impossible. 3.) Some residents are showing initiative in using their own resources to manipulate tourism in their favor. 4.) Many of the younger generation employed in Tamarindo show positive signs of ambition for higher level jobs. Discussion looks at the underlying reasons why many continue serving in wage labor, and also the possible impact of future tourist development. Kucinskas, Jaime, "Natural and Cultural Resources facing Urbanization in San Antonio, Escazù, Costa Rica: Preservationalist Perspectives." Advisor: Ivelina Romagosa. Colorado College. 2004. 65 pp. During March and April of 2004, perceptions of resource preservationists were studied in San Antonio, Escazù. The focus of the investigation was to determine how resources in San Antonio were perceived as threatened, the extent to which they were valued, possible means of preservation, and how these means were relevant to the current construction of the local zonification plan. From both a survey and a focus group, primary qualitative data was collected from local leaders, artisans, and participants in workshops on cultural and natural resources. This research provides a preliminary diagnosis of local perceptions and current use of, as well as possible means of preservation for, natural and cultural resources in San Antonio. Lasco, Heather, "The Farmer's Markets of San José: Feria del Agricultor o del Intermediario?" Adv. Francisco Escobar. Ripon. 1990. 9pp. During the administration of Rodrigo Carazo (1978-1982) the feria del agricultor, or farmer's market, was implemented as part of a larger plan to boost agriculture and attempt to lower the external debt. The main objective of the feria was to provide a public place where the producer and consumer could meet directly, defining prices which could benefit both. This project is based on results from interviews with 25 farmers of the ferias del agricultor of Pavas and of Zapote, San José. The paper offers a general history of the ferias del agricultor in Costa Rica, a brief socioeconomic profile of the farmers interviewed, and discussion of some of the challenges that the agriculturists encounter in the feria business. |
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Lawson, Katherine, "A Study of Gender Relations and Personal Empowerment in the Women of the Coope-Ortega." Adv. Ligia Martín. Colorado. 1990. 28pp. This paper examines the gender relations and personal empowerment of the women members in the Coope-Ortega, an agricultural cooperativa de autogestión in Ortega de Santa Cruz, Guanacaste. Although the original goals of the paper were only to examine these two topics and their relationship, the study naturally expanded itself to include also an analysis of problems caused for the cooperative by a lack of technical and cooperativistic education and by the execution of its organization. The main findings were as follows: 1) The men and women at the cooperative seem to have good working rapport, but the cooperative needs to change a great deal in order to meet the gap that exists between the THINKING and the ACTIONS of the men especially, 2) The women of the cooperative are very empowered individuals, and, although their participation in the cooperative is not the only reason behind their empowerment, the cooperative provides a vehicle by which they can realize their goals. 3) While the women are empowered as individuals, as a group they still lack strength in voicing their needs. Marsh, Anna L., "Women's Contribution to the Well-Being of Santa Elena, Costa Rica: Effects of Self-image, Motivation, Consciousness, Feasibility, and Organizational Management." Adv. Ilse Leitinger. Grinnell. 1991. 47pp. The communities of the Santa Elena/Monteverde region, in northern Costa Rica, are currently confronting many related development problems. Although various organizations are addressing them, the community leaders think many people are not sufficiently involved in the decision-making process. They asked my colleagues, Melanie Drake and Joel Hanson, and me, "Why don't people participate?" Within the framework of this question, this study focuses specifically on women and explores not only the factors which affect the participation in community activities of women in Sant Elena, but also on the broad spectrum of their contributions to the well-being of the community. Moreover, it assesses how women arrive at different types of contribution. Informal interviews with 17 women demonstrate how self-images, motivation, level of consciousness, and feasibility affect women's contribution. All of the women maintain the "fabric of society" by washing clothes, cooking, cleaning, and raising children. Furthermore, the interviews indicate that women, coming from the private sphere, will participate in public life only if they have an enabling self-image, formed by social environment and education, favorable family conditions, with the time, energy and someone to take care of children, the desire to change or affect the community, and an understanding and faith in the organizational structure of the region. When we presented our findings to the organizational leadership, I suggested that to increase participation in community organizations, leaders might (1) continue broadening women's horizons with support groups or activities which give them a sense of success in participation, (2) augment communication, inviting and informing women about activities, and (3) offer child care at meetings. In expanding self-image, consciousness, and convenience, they will be able to access the important opinions of Santa Elena women concerning the essential issues of the development of the region. Miller, Dawn, "The Art of the Possible: A Study of Health Problems and Recommendations of Treatment and Prevention for the Artisans of the Cooperativa de Artesanas, Santa Elena-Monteverde, Costa Rica." Adv. Ilse Leitinger. Beloit. 1995. 30pp. I studied what health problems the artisans of CASEM, in Monteverde, have (both job-related and general) and made recommendations for possible treatments and preventions, procuring reference materials on health issues for the artisans. I did 29 interviews, asking the artisans about their activities and problems. No significant trends in health problems appeared, however, it seems that certain people may be predisposed to certain problems. Because one cannot identify easy changes to eliminate job-related problems, and because there are little or no resources in the region for general health care, the job of educating the artisans falls on CASEM. To aid them in this, I put together a short talk for the artisans on preventive health practices in their work. I also designed a small resource library in CASEM. Powers, Wendy, "Towards the Integration of Outlying Communities into Regional Development and Well-being: Assesing Community Characteristics of San Luis in the Santa Elena-Monteverde Region." Adv. Ilse Leitinger. Colorado. 1992. 47pp. The development of a region depends on many factors, the primary one being the well-being of all the communities in that region. In order to help a community obtain well-being, one needs to know adequate information about that community. This study examines the community of San Luis, in a valley just south of Santa Elena-Monteverde, to gather the information necessary for better regional development. Working with the area's community advisory group, El Plan de Desarrollo Integral Monteverde 2020, as one of four researchers in four outlying communities, I gathered information on demographic factors, the economy, community organizations, communal infrastructure and services, education, and cultural and psychological conditions. The results show San Luis as a community with some assets. Many people like San Luis and therefore want to stay in the community. In addition, some community members think about the future, and the Development Association in San Luis attempts to improve community development. Despite these assets, however, San Luis has some problems that are currently inhibiting communal development. The uneven distribution of land and the dispersion of the community cause 1) the lack of participation in organizational activities, 2) the absence of community solidarity, and 3) the high mobility of the people. These factors together cause the failure to bring projects to completion which in turn inhibits community development. The study concluded with a group presentation to the Executive Board of Monteverde 2020 where I provided options such as 1) work withthe current organizations of San Luis to accomplish projects, and 2) try to involve more people in organizations and activities, especially young people and women. Rens, Lea Ann, "The Effects of Tourism on the Differing Communities of Gandoca and Puerto Viejo and their Prospects for the Future." Advisor: Paulina Chaverri. Ripon. 2005. 38pp. Tourism is ranked Costa Rica's number one income earner, surpassing coffee, bananas, and pineapple put together. One method of marketing tourism development is through ecotourism, which suggests businesses can profit from tourism while protecting nature. Unfortunately, as the number of ecotourism establishments increases, the environment is becoming of less importance than the income generated. Since Costa Rica contains such a biodiverse environment, protection is crucial. The balance is difficult to establish between the economy and the environment. This problem creates the question, "How much tourism development provides a healthy balance between sustaining a community and protecting the natural and cultural environment?" This question guided me during two months of research in the Talamanca area, specifically in the towns of Puerto Viejo and Gandoca. Puerto Viejo is known for its abundant tourist activity, while Gandoca is on the frontier of tourism. At this moment, Puerto Viejo is suffering through many problems due to an abundance of tourism. The sewer system, water supply, and garbage are all ongoing problems; all of which lack funding to fix. Gandoca has potential to grow as big as Puerto Viejo because of attractions such as the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, the turtle nesting beach, and the Gandoca lagoon. This is why planning for tourism is a crucial step in providing true ecotourism. Interviews, group meetings, literature, and conversations provided information to answer the main question of providing the healthy balance, and questions stemming from that. When I concluded my research it was clear to me that the only way a community can successfully venture into tourism development is by retaining their land, actively protecting the environment and truly preserving their culture. Rodi, Jennifer, "The Nonverbal Language of Three women in Puerto Limón." Adv. Jeanina Umaña. 1990. 28pp. During March and April, 1990, this study took place in Puerto Limón. It analyzed the nonverbal language of three women, two teachers and a head nurse. Their body posture and hand and feet movements were observed while they were in the presence of other women and children. It discovered that the women's body language changed according to the other people and the topic of conversation. They altered their behaviors depending on what idea or sentiment they wanted to express. It was also discovered that the distance between the women and the others had a large influence on their body movements. Rouse, Caryn, "How the Ceramics Industry Affects The Sense of Community in Guatil, Guanacaste." Adv. Salgado González. Cornell. 2004. |
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Rush, Caleb, "Solidarismo on Costa Rica's Banana Plantations." Adv. Moisés León. Grinnell. 1991. 44pp. This study's purpose consisted in investigating the reasons for Solidarismo's success on the banana plantations of Costa Rica's Atlantic Zone, in particular the issue of labor persecution, and Solidarismo's effect on banana workers. These questions were explored through two opposing theoretical frameworks: the Solidarista contentions that workers benefit from Solidarismo, and consequently its popularity with workers has caused its success; and the unionist arguments that labor unions best serve workers' interests and that Solidarismo owes its success to a number of institutional supports. Among these institutional supports are the John XXIII Social School, a Catholic organ, and the Costa Rican state through its Labor Code, which permits unjustified worker layoffs, the Solidariista Law, which gives Solidarista Association legal advantages over labor unions, and its failure to prevent labor persecution. In the first part of this study, four banana plantations were selected, and average worker's earnings and other working conditions were compared among them. Comparisons of average earnings suggest that plantations with a history of labor union activity pay better than new plantations that have never had unions. Furthermore, on the plantation that used to have a labor union but now does not, the company awarded higher pay raises when it did have a union. In other comparisons, older plantations with a history of union activity have significantly better labor situations than do newer plantations which have never had labor unions. In the second part of the study, interviews were conducted with current and former banana workers to research the extent and methods of labor persecution on banana plantations. Sources attributed Solidarismo's rise to pressure tactics against labor unions, especially layoffs. Important measures still used by management include blacklisting of workers that question company policy, especially unionists, and various sorts of pressure to control the workers' organizations that have taken unions' place. Seiber, Emily, “Status of Women Journalists and Decision Makers in the Field of Print Journalism of Costa Rica.” Adv. Aixa Ansorena. Beloit. 1999. 20pp. I studied women journalists and women in positions of decision making positions during March and April in San José, Costa Rica at La Nación, La Republica, and El Financiero. The first month I focused on the barriers that female journalists face in Costa Rica. The second month I focused on women in decision making positions at the newspapers (editors, directors, etc.) I interviewed journalists and those in the higher positions of the newspapers about their jobs, barriers, and families. This research looks at the barriers that these women face in their careers as journalists. The second half explores how women work in decision making positions. Sivi, Yael C., "A Community Evolves: Assessing the Characteristics of New Residents in the Santa Elena-Monteverde Region." Adv. Ilse Leitinger. Macalester. 1993. 28pp. The past five years have been a time of growth and development for the Santa Elena-Monteverde region in Costa Rica. A booming tourist industry and a widespread reputation have not only made the region a popular travel destination, but have also attracted many new residents. The result has been a substantial amount of migration in the Santa Elena-Monteverde community since 1989. For two months, Kurt Dorschel and I investigated the subject of migration into the zone in order to give the local planning organization, Monteverde 2020, a clearer idea about the identity of the community's newcomers. This essay presents the results of 118 interviews we conducted ,individually, with residents who had moved to the area within the past five years. In addition to documenting basic personal characteristics of newcomers and their families, Dorschel and I describe the new population and their views concerning their host community. I then examine possible effects and implications of the new group of residents and offer suggestions for the future of the community, with specific attention to newcomers. Stocker, Karen, "Staying in the Community: Implications and Manefestations of a Pervasive Ideal - La Cruz de Abangares." Adv. Ilse Leitinger. Carleton. 1992. 50pp. As a researcher for The Plan for Integrated Development of Monteverde for the Year 2020 (MV 2020), I studied the community of La Cruz de Abangares, 5.6 km. to the northwest of Santa Elena, in terms of population, economy, organization, infrastructure, problems, and needs in order to provide basic information to MV 2020, so that La Cruz may be included in decision-making and planning of the Santa Elena/Monteverde region. La Cruz is comprised of twenty-eight families, most of whom are economically dependent on milk production. In structured, informal interviews with townspeople, I found recurring concerns with religion, education, and work in connection with La Cruz's pervasive goal of keeping the current inhabitants permanently in the community. At the moment, this goal of La Cruz is a positive force in the community which allows for broad participation and community unity. However, some implications for the future are negative. Continued organization in La Cruz is essential for the future as the community faces impending threats of land scarcity, overpopulation, and scarcity of jobs as well as decisions that must be made with regard to tourism and the direction of further development. I am outlining some options which Monteverde 2020 may choose to follow in order to address La Cruz with respect to common issues of the region. Tuttle, Mark, "Radio Monteverde: An Effort to Develop Communication for Community Participation." Adv. Ilse Leitinger. Colorado. 1993. 30pp. In cooperation with The Integrated Development Plan for Monteverde for the Year 2020 (MV 2020), I studied the community of Santa Elena to identify the acceptance by the community of "Radio Monteverde." I decided to explore the activities of the inhabitants with respect to two questions :(1) How many people listen to the program Radio Monteverde? and (2) How can we improve the quality of the radio program so that more people will listen to it? This information is going to give to MV 2020 the necessary data improving Radio Monteverde. I lived in the town of Santa Elena during the months of March and April, 1993. The study presents graphics and information about the hours during the day when these people listen to different radio stations, and their preferences and suggestions tochange programming - announcements, music programs to attract more listeners from among the people of Santa Elena. Within this context, it became relevant to determine/explore which type of music the people liked and what role the radio plays in their lives. |
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Warner, Jonathan, "The Abandonment of Golfito and the Banana Plantations: A look at the Zona Sur after the UFCO left 1980-2006." Advs. Patricia Clare and Dr. Ronny José Viales Hurtado UCR. St. Olaf College. 2006. This study focused on the history of Golfito and the Zona Sur of Costa Rica immediately before and after the United Fruit Company abandoned its banana operations in the area in 1984. The study looked specifically at the nature of Golfito and the area in the few years before and after the Company moved, highlighting the problems associated with the Company's departure. To complete the study, research was completed in archives of the Municipality of Golfito, as well the conduction of interviews with former workers of the Company still living around the area. From the data collected, it was found that after forty years under the complete control of the UFCO, the Zona Sur and the National Government of Costa Rica fell into a state of dependency, which led to many problems with the area. Namely, the National Government failed to provide economic reprieve for the area, whose residence in turn did nothing to help the already catastrophic situation. The end result was a region whose residence long for the return of the Company or some form of structured, economic help. For future studies, it is recommendable to immediately start at the local municipality for documents, and make strong efforts to locate people in the community with whom interviews can be conducted. Wintersteen, Christine, "The Effect of Income-Generating Work on Women's Lives: Women's Experience at CASEM, the Artisan's Cooperative in the Santa Elena-Monteverde Region of Costa Rica." Adv. Ilse Leitinger. Beloit. 1996. 38pp. The author analyzes the effects of women's income-generating work on the lives of seventeen women members of CASEM (Artisans Cooperative of Santa Elena-Monteverde) in Costa Rica. Qualitative methods including participant observation and interviews permit the assessment of how money-earning work has changed the lives of these women. The region of this study has recently experienced an influx of tourism and has long attempted to diversify its historically dairy-based economy. CASEM, primarily consisting of women artisans, originated as a response to these efforts. The research focuses on the financial, personal, and domestic aspects of women affected by their own income-generating work experience. Anonymous excerpts from the women's testimonies describe changing dynamics in their lives. Women relate how financial decisions are made in their households and what their personal income is spent on. Women express their views about themselves and the changes in their self image since they joined CASEM. The study also focuses on how the role of husband and children have changed since the role of women has broadened to include income-earning work. Wodatch, Jessica, "Towards the Integration of Outlying Communities into Regional Development: Forging a Link Between Monteverde 2020 and Los Turnos." Adv. Ilse Leitinger. Macalester. 1992. 40pp. In order to involve people from communities outside of the Monteverde/Santa Elena urbanizing corridor with the organization 2020 Plan for Integrated Development (Monteverde 2020), four researchers from the Associated Colleges of the Midwest Tropical Field Research Program went to the communities of Cañitas, San Luis, La Cruz, and Los Tornos. Our goal was to gather information about the infrastructure of the towns, as well as conduct interviews with residents about their needs, desires, aspirations, and hopes. Additionally, we sought to form lasting links between each community and Monteverde 2020. We found that the communities were both different and similar, dependent largely on the extent of communal feeling (determined by land ownership, isolation, distribution of organizational power, and physical layout) in each town. Because of this, the partnership between Monteverde 2020 and each community should be based not on one policy for outlying communities, but on the individual needs and characteristics of each town. This researcher studied the community of Los Tornos de Abangares, a small town of 25 families (127 people) 10 km southwest of Monteverde, Costa Rica. Los Tornos is a relatively young community which currently has a school, a dining room for the school, a community center, a corner store, and a playing field. It has both water and electricity, though health services are located in nearby towns. A daily bus provides transportation, along with the milk truck driver who goes to the cheese factory each day. The people of Los Tornos make their livings by providing milk to the cheese factory, and by growing, picking, and selling coffee. My study of Los Tornos concluded that one of the strengths of the town lies in its commitment to functioning as a unified community. It is a community which very easily accomplishes the physical goals it sets for itself. Where Los Tornos most needs assistance is in forging connections with the government and with surrounding communities. Additionally, many people have very deep, pervasive questions that must be answered if Los Tornos is going to take charge of its future. The link now established between Monteverde 2020 and Los Tornos should lead both to an exploration of these questions and to the facilitation of greater regional communication and decision making. Zwerling, Rebecca, "Assessing the Knowledge of and Attitudes Regarding the Código de la Niñez y la Adolescencia in Costa Rica: Perspectives of the Junta de Protección a la Niñez y la Adolescencia, School Directors, and Adolescent and Child Student Leaders." Adv. Dr. Freddy Ulate Mora. Grinnell. 2000. 35pp. This quali-quantitative study, conducted during March and April 2000, examines the knowledge of and attitudes regarding the Código de la Niñez y la Adolescencia (CNA) among members of the Junta de Protección a la Niñez y la Adolescencia (JPNA), school directors, and child and adolescent student leaders in the Cantón of San Ramón as well as the school districts of Chachagua and La Fortuna of San Carlos, in the province of Alajuela, Costa Rica. After developing a highly-structured interview schedule based on the contents of key articles within the CNA, a sample composed of the 7 officers of the JPNA of San Ramón, 19 school directors, 68 adolescent leaders, and 77 child leaders is interviewed. While specific knowledge of the CNA is limited, interviewees draw upon their basic familiarity with human rights. All but two respondents consider the CNA very important and all think it should apply systematically in Costa Rica. In addition, results confirm the necessity of allocating resources to accomplish this implementation. |
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