Abstract

MANTILLA, Jorge. THE STATE SYSTEM AND THE STATE IDEA IN A MARGINALIZED NEIGHBOURHOOD OF COCHABAMBA, BOLIVIA. Revista Chakiñan [online]. 2018, n.4, pp.43-52. ISSN 2550-6722.

This paper analyses how the public policies of potable water distribution have influenced the perceptions people in Villa Chaquimayu, a marginalized neighbourhood of Cochabamba (Bolivia), have about the State. This analysis is based on the theoretical distinction between ‘State-system’ and ‘State-idea’ proposed by Abrams (1988). Following Abrams, this paper examines both the practices the Bolivian State has implemented to deliver potable water to Villa Chaquimayu (State-system), and the notions people in this neighbourhood have about the State (State-idea). By using ethnographic data, this investigation shows that a deficient public management of potable water distribution has negatively influenced people’s ideas and perceptions about what is the State.

Keywords : State system; State idea; water rights; peri-urban marginality; calculated informality.

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