Document Type

Restricted

Advisor

Jessica Koehler

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

This thesis explores how citizens in Guayaquil, Ecuador perceive governance. It focuses on the emergence of civil disillusionment as a defining feature of contemporary civic life. This study situates present day perceptions in Guayaquil within a broader historical and structural context. From early forms of caudillo leadership to cycles of constitutional reform and institutional fragility, governance in the small Pacific nation has often been marked by a persistent tension between democratic ideals and citizens’ lived realities. Civil disillusionment, then, becomes grounded in Ecuador’s long history of political instability, regional division, and elite-centered governance. Thus, it is within this tension that citizens form their perceptions of the state.

To better understand these perceptions, this thesis uses a mixed methods approach that combines survey data with images of political street art. The survey — conducted with sixty-nine participants — examines civic knowledge, institutional trust, and personal experiences with governance. Its findings suggest that participants generally report moderate levels of awareness regarding constitutional rights and civic protections. However, a knowledge gap was discovered when individuals were asked to apply their knowledge in specific or procedural contexts. This suggests that civic awareness is present, though uneven.

The data presented in this thesis reflects limited trust in governmental institutions. Few participants express confidence in the state’s ability to uphold civil rights or act in the interest of its citizens. Concerns about corruption, lack of transparency, and weak enforcement contribute to an overtly cautious and skeptical perception of governance. However, participants still articulated the need for institutional improvement, often emphasizing the importance of transparency, civic education, and accountability. These measures indicate that disillusionment does not stem from indifference, but from the exclusion of citizens in institutional governance.

The analysis of street art adds an important cultural significance to these findings. Throughout Guayaquil, public spaces carry messages that reflect frustration, critique, and at times, quiet resilience. Themes of violence, inequality, and political dissatisfaction appear frequently in the art and are often expressed through symbolism and satire. However, explicit expressions of political support appear extremely limited, indicating that public spaces within Guayaquil function more prominently as anonymous sites of dissent.

These findings demonstrate that civil disillusionment in Guayaquil occurs at the intersection of civic awareness and institutional experiences. Citizens possess a fundamental understanding of their rights, yet do not perceive governance systems as reliable mechanisms for upholding them. This disconnect further reinforces a model of civic engagement where participation persists, but confidence does not. Therefore, disillusionment emerges as a rational response to sustained inconsistencies between constitutional promises and lived realities. Ultimately, this thesis argues that rebuilding citizens’ trust within Guayaquil requires more than structural reform. It demands consistent and visible institutional accountability that aligns with Guayaquileños civic expectations. Without this alignment, citizens are at risk of falling to yet another pattern of instability within Ecuador.

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The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author.