The Human Face of Globalization: From Multicultural to Mestizaje

April 20, 2005

A panel conversation on Jacques Audinet's book by the same title (Rowman & Littlefield, 2004), with Audinet; Virgil Elizondo, Centre for Liberation Theologies, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven; Olga Garza Kauffman, community affairs consultant, Levi Strauss Foundation; author John Phillip Santos; and Davíd Carrasco, Neil L. Rudenstine Professor of the Study of Latin America. 

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About the Book (from the book cover)

Anthropologist and sociologist Jacques Audinet proposes an alternative to culture wars and simple multiculturalism as he explores the history and evolution of mestizaje, the mixing of races and cultures resulting in a third and new force able to ease the tensions between the original two. Audinet reviews the tragic history of imperial and colonial conquests and traces the growth of mestizaje, especially stimulated by literature, music and sports.

Audinet argues that, instead of chasing or preserving the illusion of "pure" races, we need to face the shifting boundaries of peoples and cultures. He acknowledges the uncertainty of the changes, but emphasizes the essential role that mestizaje can play in the avoidance of racial and cultural clashes while pursuing equality as part of the promise of a democratic society.

About the Author

Jacques Audinet is Professor Emeritus in Anthropology at the University of Metz and l'Institut Catholique de Paris.