From Separation to Strength: An Ecological Study of Immigrant Family Resilience ​

Christina Carvajal

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: College of Liberal Arts

Major: BA.PSYCHOLOGY

Faculty Research Mentor: Ning Liao

Abstract:

Ecuador's dollarization in 2000 is one of the most consequential and controversial economic decisions in Latin America’s modern history. Emerging from a profound crisis, marked by inflation, political corruption, falling oil prices, and social unrest. Ecuador’s adoption of the U.S. dollar was both a desperate measure and a bold economic experiment. This research explores whether dollarization truly resolved Ecuador’s structural challenges or merely stabilized its symptoms.
The purpose of this presentation is to lead the audience beyond a binary debate of success or failure and into a critical exploration of how dollarization reshaped Ecuador’s economy, politics, and sovereignty. By applying three key theories of international political economy, liberalism, neo-mercantilism, and Marxism, this study reveals the complex interplay between stability, dependence, and inequality. Through the liberal lens, dollarization appears as a triumph of stability and investor confidence. From the neo-mercantilist view, it exposes the loss of monetary control and national competitiveness. From the Marxist perspective, it underscores how global capital benefited while the working class absorbed the social costs.
By reimagining Ecuador’s dollarization through a balanced liberal-mercantilist framework, this project offers an innovative solution that blends theory and creativity to promote sustainable development. It also reflects a commitment to social justice, examining how economic policies influence inequality and urging leaders to design systems that uplift vulnerable populations. Ultimately, this research embodies impactful leadership, transforming complex global issues into actionable insights for equitable growth. It reminds us that true leadership arises when bold ideas meet ethical responsibility.