Bryan Meléndez García
MIT Department: Political Science
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Ariel White
Undergraduate Institution: University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez
Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Website: LinkedIn
Biography
From San Juan, Puerto Rico, Bryan Meléndez García is a rising senior at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, majoring in Political Science with minors in Economics and International Relations. Bryan is an aspiring public servant and international relations academic. In particular, he wants to study how international institutions have dealt with colonialism and how it has affected post-colonial times. At MIT, Bryan is researching disenfranchisement laws by US states, as well as Bolivian indigenous rights and their impact on an international forum with Professor Ariel White. Also, Bryan enjoys learning about applied statistics to public policy, which he studied as a Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Fellow at the University of Michigan. Bryan wants to combine his research interests with his passion for public service and international relations by working in the national security and diplomacy sector. He enjoys reading, writing, and watching sports in his free time.
Abstract
Decolonizing Language: Socio-Economic Impacts of Colonial Language Policies and Constitutional Reforms in Bolivia and Puerto Rico
Bryan J. Meléndez García1
1Department of Social Sciences, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez
This study investigates the socio-economic impacts of colonial language policies on indigenous populations in Bolivia and Puerto Rico from 2001 to 2022. The suppression of indigenous languages through colonial policies has led to significant socio-economic challenges for these communities. This research examines the historical imposition of languages, constitutional reforms, and their effects on socio-economic conditions. Since the 2009 Bolivian Constitution, recognizing the country as a plurinational state and granting substantial rights to Indigenous communities, there has been a notable decrease in poverty rates among indigenous populations. Conversely, Puerto Rico has not experienced significant constitutional developments since the mid-20th century, and the colonial strain has profoundly affected the socio-economic status of Puerto Ricans with over 40% below the poverty line. The lack of inclusive institutions has perpetuated economic disparities and political marginalization. This study explores whether similar constitutional changes in Puerto Rico could lead to comparable socio-economic improvements. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, including field data analysis and statistical methods, the study underscores the necessity of developing non-extractive institutions for socio-economic development. The findings suggest that Bolivia’s constitutional reforms have effectively reduced poverty among indigenous populations, highlighting the potential benefits of implementing similar reforms in Puerto Rico. This research underscores the importance of constitutional reforms and recognition of linguistic diversity to address socio-economic disparities and promote sustainable development.
