Group Inequalities and the Nature and Power of Collective Action: Case Studies from Peru

The paper explores collective action in Peru through community level case studies. It asks why extreme inequality between groups has persisted for so long and whether a weak propensity to collective action is part of the answer. Significant evidence of constructive meso-level collective action is found; but it is restricted by a corrupt, self-seeking political system. The analysis shows how in relatively fragile institutional systems, the poor find collective action more difficult and costly while the relatively well endowed with capabilities can manage it better, shedding light on why inequality is often long lasting. When only modest gains are achieved, frustration is to be expected.