Complete Thesis_double spaced abstract.pdf

Chapter 5
CURRENT CONDITIONS
Guatemala: Regimes, Social Conditions, Foreign Intervention; 1950-1995
In Guatemala there are a wide variety of factors with the ability to influence migration;
yet, for over five decades regime type, social conditions and foreign intervention have remained
relatively similar. Democratic and authoritarian regimes have dealt with the same issues with
similar outcomes; both types have struggled to exert civilian control over the military and been
equally susceptibility to coups and to foreign influences. The social conditions in Guatemala
have remained extremely poor throughout the period being examined; especially for indigenous
populations, women, children, and migrants. These variables will be discussed prior to the
analysis of the economic development, state sponsored violence, and migration indicators. The
remaining variables will be highlighted in Chapter 6 and in Table 6.1, also located in the
appendix.
Controlled Variables
“Guatemala is governed by two chief executives, one of whom holds a gun to the head of the
other”-Juan Jose Arévalo
Controlled Variable: Regime
In 1950 Guatemala experienced a peaceful transition of democratically elected
Presidents. Jacobo Arbenz was elected to the presidency of Guatemala, leading a center-left
coalition to victory. After President Arbenz took over the presidency from President Arévalo, he
continued the political, social and economic reforms begun by his predecessor. During this brief
democratic period many of Guatemala’s draconian laws and practices were abolished. Under
President Arévalo and President Arbenz forced labor was ended, minimum wages were instituted,
the rights of workers to organize into unions was instituted, as well as the right to form political
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