Sex magic and money: Miskito women's strategies in the global economy

Abstract

This article deals with the skill of miskito women to position themselves within society and being active players inside the miskito coast (North Eastern Honduras), which is becoming increasingly cash based.  While miskito men work as divers, fishing lobster, women live within a matrilocal environment, support their families and use spells to induce men to give them their earnings.  The analysis reveals that while the use of spells is a successful survival strategy, it doesn't represent real form of social resistance capable of reversing mate dominance.  The conclusions suggest, however, that miskito women have managed to redefine their sexual and gender identities, as well as their perception of money and transform them into strategic practices for self empowerment within the global economy.