Lost Visions and New Uncertainties : Sandinista Profesionales in Northern Nicaragua

This anthropological study looks at experiences and hopes of some Sandinista profesionales in Nicaragua. Their enthusiasm to participate in improving their country’s conditions has turned into a strong rejection of the state, and into a lack of trust in politicians. The study deals with the everyday strategies of the profesionales, how they cope with unemployment and diminishing social security, and how they perceive the future. It also elaborates on how in Nicaragua issues of guilt are intertwined with issues of national identity, and how they relate to stereotypes of the national self as rebel, joker and troublemaker. These images are seen by the profesionales as means of coping with difficulties, but also as causing problems in a situation where national reconciliation of various motives is seen to be urgently needed.