Ethnic Ceiling: An Intersectional Exploration of Access Privilege Positions of Upwardly Mobile Indigenous in Chile

This article delves into the lived experiences of indigenous people in Chile who have achieved upward social mobility, yet still encounter significant obstacles in their pursuit of elite status. By identifying and analysing the various barriers, obstacles, and challenges that indigenous people face when attempting to gain access to privileged positions, this article aims to illuminate the persistence of inequality even in the face of apparent progress. Drawing on 50 interviews with indigenous professionals, the analysis reveals complex and varied responses to social mobility. These narratives expose the nuanced realities of navigating a social landscape that continues to be shaped by colonial legacies and entrenched power structures.

In the context of Chilean society, reaching elite status has historically been a formidable challenge for indigenous individuals. Through an intersectional and social reproduction lens, it seeks to uncover the enduring inequalities and the subtle yet pervasive forms of exclusion that persist. This exploration sheds light on the multifaceted nature of privilege and the ongoing struggle for equity and representation within Chile's elite circles. The contribution of this artible lies in its examination of the consequences, barriers, and challenges faced by indigenous people in their upward mobility, proposing the concept of the 'ethnic ceiling' to encapsulate these dynamics. This concept serves as a critical tool for understanding the specific limitations imposed by ethnic identity within the broader discourse on social mobility.