ICAR Research Data Repository for Knowledge Management

These data were collected in Bolivia by the Research Institute for the Study of Man (RISM). At the request of and under contract to the Peace Corps, RISM designed and implemented a three-year program of anthropological and epidemiological research which had two major related objectives : the delineation of the characteristic social features of rural Bolivian communities in different ecological regions of the country, and the identification of the major problems of health and disease in these communities.

The study was conducted to assess the changes that occurred some years after the Bolivian Revolution of 1952 by looking at the economic, political, educational and other reform measures which were implemented nationally. Six rural communities were examined, their residents observed and interviewed over several months. This community-based design focused on community social structure and problem solving, especially in the area of health, and health behavior. The study also enables research on community politics and social stratification.

The data were collected between October 1964 and December 1966 in the communities of Reyes, Coroico, Compi, Villa Abecia, Sorata, and San Miguel.

Topics covered include: economic indicators, religion, education, recreation, sociopolitical system, interpersonal relations, group dynamics, leadership, family and kinship, local government and administration, citizenship, political parties and movements, community and private health, and environmental health conditions.