Drugs, Thugs, and the Diablos Rojos: Perils and Progress in Panama
In many ways, Panama has come into its own. Its running of the Panama Canal is indisputably successful, its post-Noriega elections appear to be relatively corruption free, the multibillion dollar expansion of the Canal and the modernization of its transportation system are in full swing—all ostensibly signs of a developed country, but appearances can be deceiving. Dig deeper, and perils emerge: an increase in gangs and drug trafficking, a huge disparity between the wealthy and the poor, and an emerging threat to democracy. Examining these perils and progress demonstrates that Panamanians do not yet enjoy full citizenship; instead, “client-ship” still dominates.
Client-ship and Citizenship in Latin America
Taylor, L. (2004). Client-ship and Citizenship in Latin America. Bulletin of Latin American Research. 23(2), pp.213-227. RAE2008
MULTIPLE WORLDS ON OAKLAND'S STREETS SOCIAL PRACTICE AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
The daily practices of walking, bicycling, and bus-riding constitute distinct forms of urban life, each with characteristic rhythms, concerns, and social interactions. This article presents four photo-stories based on informant photography and photo-elicitation with maps, historical photographs, and contemporary images. The stories depict the perspectives of a long-time inner city resident, an elementary school crossing guard, a bicycle advocate, and a transit dependent senior citizen in Oakland, California. They illustrate the barriers to walking, bicycling, and bus-riding faced by urban residents in an American freeway metropolis. Such obstacles are embedded in the design of the built environment and the predominance of automobile-oriented living. These photo-stories offer first-person accounts of how transportation infrastructure mediates social positioning and marginality in daily life.