The Social Metabolism of Reconfigured Communality in Milpa Alta

Abstract

Based on an analysis of the struggles of the Nahua peoples of Milpa Alta in Mexico City, this article addresses the following question: How has it been possible to conserve large extensions of forest and agricultural land in a demarcation that is part of one of the largest cities in the world, in rapid expansion since the middle of the last century? The explanation articulates two key categories: reconfigured communality in Milpa Alta through historical struggles that continue to unfold to date; and the social metabolism of human-nature exchanges mediated by the work of various agencies, whose projects come into conflict at different times. We argue that the re-creation of indigenous forms of organization and collective practices have made it possible to curb the extraction of raw materials (wood and water) and land-use change for development projects promoted by government agencies and private companies; in addition to contributing to the conservation of small-scale agricultural practices. The analysis is based on semi-structured interviews that were carried out between 2016 and 2020 with inhabitants of Milpa Alta and on a systematic review of bibliographic, newspaper, statistical, and online sources.