The economics of cultural loss harm and resilience in North American indigenous communities Mukesh Eswaran

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Eswaran, Mukesh, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Indians of North America--Economic conditions.

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, UK Open Book Publishers [2025]

Summary:

"Why do North American Indigenous Peoples face such grave conditions in health, poverty, and mortality—including alarmingly high rates of suicide, alcoholism, and drug abuse? In this groundbreaking book, Mukesh Eswaran confronts these urgent questions through the lens of economics, focusing deeply on an underexplored aspect: the erosion of Indigenous culture. While empirical studies have shed some light on Indigenous struggles, Eswaran argues that mainstream economic theory fails to grasp the unique realities of Indigenous communities. His work introduces innovative models that incorporate cultural and communal values—particularly the sacredness of land and the importance of extended family and communal life—as foundational components of Indigenous well-being. Eswaran emphasizes that policies rooted in conventional economics, which often ignore culture, are ill-suited to address Indigenous issues, in particular, what has been identified as ‘Deaths of Despair’ among Indigenous Peoples. Drawing from Indigenous scholars and Elders, he shows how historical trauma—passed through generations—has systematically dismantled cultural and communal supports. His theoretical framework helps explain the rise in substance abuse and suicide, and points toward new, culturally sensitive policy approaches. While advancing economic theory relevant to Indigenous issues, the book also proposes a meaningful path toward healing and justice for Indigenous communities. It is a vital read for economists, policymakers, students, and anyone concerned with Indigenous history, well-being, equity and reconciliation"-- Provided by publisher

Contents:

Introduction : culture and indigenous wellbeing

A simple economic model of an indigenous community

Incorporating cultural belongingness

The failure of the Dawes’ Act in America and Canadian attempts to privatize indigenous reserves

Indigenous historical trauma in the North American context

An economic model to capture effects of historical trauma

Some adverse effects of historical trauma on indigenous communities

The consequences for indigenous deaths of despair

Indigenous survivance

Some concluding thoughts

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index

Online resource; title from PDF title page (Open Book Publishers, viewed July 31, 2025)

ISBN:

9781805116509

1805116509

9781805116523

1805116525

9781805116516

1805116517

OCLC:

1530081565

Access Restriction:

Open access Unrestricted online access