Conference Description:

Inequality is possibly the key global social issue of our time, especially in the Americas. Unmet challenges and complex dynamics that are misunderstood, or underrated, help distinguish Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) as the most unequal region on the planet. Increasingly, the tentacles of inequality not only run through rural and urban society, but cross borders to other regions. Thus, problems reciprocated by processes of globalization also accompany their benefits. For example, among the worst-hit by the current global crisis, and further impaired from a diminished rural production structure, “free” trade that is not, and trivial investment from the private sector, Mexico’s economic dependence on the US is being paid by its poor. Global and LAC environments alike carry a set of cross-cutting, dynamically complex problems requiring interdisciplinary undertakings. These challenges also require multinational collaborations to learn, for example, how better to foster a healthier human and environmental welfare continuum.

Consequently, the Center invites participation from undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, researchers and practitioners to examine the issues, challenges and opportunities for a Latin American and Caribbean cultural space with greater social equality. This symposium is a forum for examining some of the issues related to this goal through several means. In addition to a plenary keynote address and invited presentations by an international panel, student and faculty submissions will be selected for presentation in oral and (especially) poster sessions.

This symposium is especially intended for Michigan State students and faculty to present and discuss works in progress. More polished works are also welcome.