ABSTRACT
Neoliberal economy forces inhabitants of rural, more impoverished areas, to be on the move in search of better life opportunities. Youth is particularly vulnerable to this because of its status in local societies. This article presents research data and discusses the reasons for internal migration practiced by Huaorani youth in Ecuador. Drawing from the concept of ‘mobility imperative' as well as field research conducted in a Huaorani city settlement, I argue that youth’s migration in this ethnic group is intentionally impermanent. Young people move to the city in search of better education, however, their future goals focus on returning to their home forest settlements where they can live in the traditional way while exercising knowledge gathered while they were away.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Notes
1 Information gathered during fieldwork in Ecuador, January 2018.