Culturalidad

Culturalidad is a Spanish term that lacks a direct translation to English. It is often used in Latin American countries to describe a specific approach to community development, social change, and cultural expression. The concept of culturalidad emerged as a response to traditional top-down development models, which often disregarded the local culture and traditions.

At its core, culturalidad focuses on empowering local communities to take an active role in shaping their own development process. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and valuing the cultural identity of a community, which is seen as a key factor in its ability to self-organize and sustainable development. This approach prioritizes the "invisible" or "common" sense of a community, which is often rooted in its history, language, and traditional practices.

Culturalidad also recognizes the importance of the intangible aspects of culture, such as myths, values, and symbolic systems. It seeks to capture the intricate web of social relations and cultural practices that shape a community's identity and resilience. By promoting the preservation and transmission of local knowledge and skills, culturalidad supports the long-term sustainability of community development initiatives.

Culturalidad has been implemented in various forms across Latin America, from indigenous communities in Mexico to popular education movements in Argentina. While its outcomes and effectiveness vary, this approach has gained recognition as a unique and valuable strategy for community-led development, one that prioritizes the cultural agency and self-determination of local communities.