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This article examines the implications of Latin America's recent wave of state-embraced multiculturalism for the region's indigenous peoples, arguing that state recognition of indigenous difference is not inevitably empowering for indigenous groups or transformative of nation-states. It utilises data from fieldwork with the Kuna Indians of eastern Panama in order to delineate more precisely the contexts and strategies of indigenous peoples which may serve to push outwards more constrained forms of institutional multiculturalism. It explores the links between Panama's historical nationalist project, contemporary state multiculturalism and ethnically specific forms of mobilisation for land rights and autonomy. It also examines the transformative potential of multiculturalism in the context of the simultaneous implementation of global economic and cultural projects of neoliberalism.

This article explores meta-synthesis, the systematic review, and integration of qualitative findings, as a tool to advance the visibility, accessibility, and policy and programmatic relevance of quantitative data in applied fields like international development. I draw on my experiences of synthesizing 30 qualitative cases for a book on microfinance and women’s empowerment to examine the benefits and challenges of this approach and to provide practical guidance. I identify the conditions where meta-synthesis can make the strongest contributions and ways in which it can enhance the robustness of qualitative research. I also detail the tensions of between meta-synthesis appeals to efficiency and standardization and the core epistemological and ethical commitments of qualitative methods. In practice, these tensions were most apparent in issues of primary case inclusion and selection, incorporation of context, and the ethics of voice and representation.

The research for this article was part of a broader fieldwork project she carried out in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama exploring concepts and practices of sustainable development She gratefully acknowledges the support of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and Chapman University and thanks Antonio Ugalde, Bryan Roberts, and the Latin American Perspectives reviewers for their comments on earlier drafts.