Análisis de interculturalidad de la comunidad Kichwa Cuchapamba de Santa Cecilia

Abstract

Abstract: This research diagnoses interculturality in the Kichwa community of Cochapamba de Santa Cecilia, aiming to propose strategies to strengthen social cohesion and respect for cultural diversity. It focuses on evaluating the impact of educational and cultural policies on the preservation of Kichwa identity, analyzing social perceptions of interculturality, and developing concrete proposals for peaceful coexistence and multiculturalism. The theoretical framework is based on concepts of interculturality, social cohesion, and cultural diversity, integrating Gordon Allport's theory of interculturality and its dimensions, along with the cultural worldview of the Kichwa people in Ecuador and Cochapamba. A qualitative methodology was applied, including field observations, semi-structured interviews with representative community members, and analysis of official documents related to cultural policies. Results show that while the community maintains traditional practices and values the Kichwa language, the implementation of educational and cultural policies remains limited. The teaching of Kichwa in local schools is basic, with no specific intercultural bilingual school, and interethnic barriers persist. The community demonstrates strengths in its cultural identity but faces challenges related to resource scarcity and sustainable educational programs. It is concluded that strategies such as cultural workshops, intercultural festivals, and bilingual education programs are necessary to address these challenges, foster mutual respect, and integrate all age groups into the process of strengthening intercultural cohesion.