Dissertation Defended, Dr. Selene Diaz
Please join us in celebrating our newest PhD! Dr. Selene Diaz successfully defended her dissertation on January 13th, 2023. Dr. Selene Diaz was mentored by Dr. Nancy Plankey-Videla. Dr. Sarah Gatson, Dr. Sonia Hernandez (History), Dr. Robert Mackin, and Dr. Dennis O’Hearn (UTEP) served on her committee.
Dr. Diaz’ dissertation consists of three articles:
1. The Effects of Internal Migration on the Raramuri in Ciudad Juárez – To understand the impact that immigration has had on this community, Dr. Diaz examines how migration has transformed gender/power relations in the domestic, economic, social, and cultural arenas. Using gender and migration theory paired with a transnational feminist conceptual framework, she analyzes the gendered role of the Rarámuri worldview, cultural practices, and holidays. And how these elements are transformed in Ciudad Juárez to readapt them to their urban life necessities.
2. Visual Sociology: Images and Narratives about Social Identification by the Rarámuri in Ciudad Juárez – This research aims to analyze how the Rarámuri in Ciudad Juárez (re)construct their social identity by examining photographs taken by Rarámuris. The use of narratives based on city pictures allows the Rarámuri to reflect on their experiences about life in Ciudad Juárez.
3. The impact of Colonial/Modern [cis] Gender System: A Life History Aproach of A Transgender Raramuri Women in Ciudad Juarez – The general objective is to understand the colonial/ modern [cis] gender systems using the life history of a transgender Rarámuri woman in Ciudad Juárez.
Congratulations, Dr. Diaz!