In the summer of 2013 and 2014 research was conducted by the Nexus-1492 project on the Amerindian site El Flaco in the Dominican Republic. This site contains platforms and montículos. Montículo A...Show moreIn the summer of 2013 and 2014 research was conducted by the Nexus-1492 project on the Amerindian site El Flaco in the Dominican Republic. This site contains platforms and montículos. Montículo A is excavated in diagonal 2 by 2 m units by using the box-grid method. These units are excavated in arbitrary layers of 10 cm. Montículo A contained a lot of archaeological material, such as ceramics, shell and fauna material. This research contributed to the reconstruction of the formation process of montículo A, which is investigated by J.A.M. Vermeer. Vermeer is investigating the formation process of the montículos on the site El Flaco. He does this by looking at the geological and archaeological components used for the phasing of the montículos. This study contributes to this research by examining the taphonomy and larger context of the shell material. The results of the shell material support Segaar’s hypothesis that there were two phases of occupation on the site, a possible Meillacoid and a Chicoid occupation. Next to that, the composition of the shell material is analyzed and divided into three classes: bivalves, gastropods and crustaceans. Furthermore, the habitat of the shell species is investigated to provide an indication of the food strategy or the ‘food network’ that was used by the Amerindian inhabitants. It is likely that a large portion of this diet consists of one gastropod, the Pleurodonte formosa. However, palynology is needed to provide a definitive answer to this problem.Show less
The intention of this thesis is to contribute to a broader understanding of what economic development means for inequality and poverty levels in Brazil. This thesis will focus on the period 2003...Show moreThe intention of this thesis is to contribute to a broader understanding of what economic development means for inequality and poverty levels in Brazil. This thesis will focus on the period 2003-2011, in which Luiz Inácio Lula Da Silva was president. There are several reasons for choosing this timeframe. Lula was inaugurated right after Brazil was named one of the most important emerging economies, demonstrating the growing potential and role the Brazilian economy began to play worldwide. Furthermore, it has been mentioned that Lula’s presidency was unlike any other. He is said to have been truly dedicated to advancing economic growth, while also aiming for social change and reducing inequality levels. Can the three phenomena mentioned in the nexus be combined and tackled simultaneously? Consequently, by focusing on the Lula era (2011-2013) this thesis will attempt to answer the following research question; to what extent can economic growth go hand in hand with a reduction in poverty and inequality? Is this trinity possible?Show less
