La economía de las misiones Jesuitas en el Ecuador de la colonia

Abstract

Abstract: This paper aims to analyze and understand the economic contribution and impact of the Jesuit missions in Ecuador during the colonial period, highlighting their impact on Indigenous communities. Using a qualitative approach, the authors identified activities such as agriculture, livestock, and crafts, which fostered self-sufficiency and the economic integration of the missions into local and regional markets. Furthermore, they explored how Jesuit education, based on Christian doctrine and practical skills, transformed Indigenous communities, creating a skilled workforce, albeit one with limited cultural autonomy. The expulsion of the Jesuits in 1767 marked a turning point, leaving a void that negatively affected the social cohesion and productivity of these communities. The study concludes that the Jesuit missions represented a hybrid economic model, successful in integrating European and indigenous knowledge, and their educational and cultural legacy endures as a relevant example for contemporary sustainable development contexts.