Governmental Accountability in Mexico

I am working on a research project entitled “Unpacking Social Accountability: Autonomous Public Agencies and their Civic Defenders in Mexico.” The project is designed to better understand the relationship between civil society associations and the National Institute for Access to Information (INAI) in Mexico. My hypothesis is that civic engagement is critical to the function of accountability institutions like the INAI. We will be working together to read and code the content of Spanish-language press releases of a variety of civic associations and think tanks in Mexico that work for increased transparency in government. You may also participate in gathering information on the history and activities of the civic associations included in the study, and writing up short descriptions of those associations.

I am seeking 2-3 detail-oriented research assistants who are able to read in Spanish - intermediate Spanish language reading competency at least.
Familiarity with Excel spreadsheets is a plus.
An interest in Mexican politics, and in issues of democratic governance and government transparency and accountability is a plus.

March -April 2023 content coding - one 2hr session/week
April-May 2023 analysis and write up
May 2023 - present research at Latin American Studies Association meeting June 2023 and beyond - possibly continued collaboration based on student interest and project reception

We will be working together to read and code the content of Spanish-language press releases of a variety of civic associations and think tanks in Mexico that work for increased transparency in government. You may also participate in gathering information on the history and activities of the civic associations included in the study, and writing up short descriptions of those associations.

March 2, 2023