EL DILEMA DE LOS CAMPESINOS FRENTE A LOS IMPERATIVOS DEL MERCADO NEOLIBERAL EN LOS ALTOS DE CHIAPAS, MÉXICO

Abstract

This article analyzes the situation of the peasants producing coffee of Los Altos de Chiapas, who in different ways have been trapped in the dynamics of the global market. The analysis is focused on the dilemma that these have faced in the last 30 years of neoliberal policies, producing basic foods (corn and beans) for self-consumption or producing coffee to generate monetary income. This in a context where the State does not protect the peasants, despite the risks involved in the “free” market, leading to coffee expansion. The study privileges the historical-structural approach and is based on field work carried out in the municipalities of Pantelhó, Chenalhó, San Juan Cancuc and Tenejapa, during 2014-2016.