Key Terms
Course
Gendered Lives: Global Issues Chapter 11
Definition
One of twenty-two Indigenous groups in Guatemala that trace descent from the ancient Maya civilization; Q'eqchi' is both
Definition (as used in this chapter)
A system of gendered norms that subordinates women and limits their participation outside the home.
Central belief
Ancestors were tough, hardworking, and compassionate; honoring them means embodying those same qualities.
Quote
"As a community, we have to have a relationship with our history. The past helps us to feel more certain."
CRITICAL NOTE
Despite financial necessity as a stated motivation, few women actually made reliable profit. Most reinvested earnings in
TENSION NOTE
One distributor (Maria) acknowledged a risk — if a person were already experiencing an identity crisis, Herbalife's emph
Market women and Herbalife distributors enjoy
Financial independence (however limited), social networks, freedom from constant domestic confinement, recognition for e
SAME
Both groups challenge gendered norms; both build social networks; both earn status by embodying Q'eqchi' values; both ac
DIFFERENT
Market work has a direct ancestral lineage (inherited stalls); Herbalife is new and lacks that direct lineage. Market wo
DOMINGA TECUN CANIL
Former governor of Alta Verapaz; introduced Herbalife to the region after a 2014 car accident; died months later from a
HERLINDA
Young Indigenous mother; transitioned from working in a family market stall to running her own Herbalife nutrition club
OLGA
Indigenous distributor; sixth-grade education; went from low- profit home food store to running a nutrition club; gained
MARIA
Herbalife distributor; daughter of prominent Maya activist; sees Herbalife as reconnecting community with ancestral diet
IMELDA
Older distributor; Maya spiritual guide, traditional healer, land activist; combines natural medicine with Herbalife; se