Thoth distribution@thoth.pub Google 20260502T153046

urn:uuid:7ac3a25b-a9f2-4c53-bbb3-b20737bd5bb6 03 15 9781805116516 00 EB E101 10 01 01 The Economics of Cultural Loss Harm and Resilience in North American Indigenous Communities 1 A01 Mukesh Eswaran Mukesh Eswaran is professor emeritus in the Vancouver School of Economics at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. He is a Fellow of the Canadian Economics Association, an Associate of Theoretical Research in Economic Development and a Senior Fellow of the Bureau of Research and Economic Analysis of Development. His research revolves around the application of economic theory to understand economic phenomena. Primary areas of his interest are economic development and the economics of gender, as well as evolutionary economics and, more recently, the economics of religion. 2 A23 Ronald L. Trosper 01 eng 00 218 03 04 E98.E2 23 Economics 23 Indigenous Economics 10 SOC062000 23 Cultural Erosion 23 Psychology and Psychoanalysis 10 SOC026040 23 Deaths of Despair 23 Psychology and Psychoanalysis 10 SOC031000 23 Anthropology 10 BUS023000 23 Historical Trauma 23 Health 10 POL029000 23 Reconciliation and Policy 10 HEA028000 23 Mental Health Disparities 01 06 03 00 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. 04 00 Foreword Ronald L. Trosper Preface Introduction: Culture and Indigenous Wellbeing PART I Effects of the Erosion of Indigenous Land Rights 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 PART II The Health Effects of the Erosion of Indigenous Community 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 References Use of Copyrighted Material Index Open Book Publishers 01 Open Book Publishers 04 01 20250728 02 WORLD 06 15 9781805116486 06 15 9781805116493 06 15 9781805116509 06 15 9781805116523 06 15 9781805116516 WORLD 09 Open Book Publishers 20 02 5.99 GBP WORLD