Poverty, Coloniality, and Exclusion on the Dominican–Haitian Border: Hierarchies of Racialization and Structural Domination

Abstract

This study examines the intersection of poverty, coloniality, and exclusion in impoverished communities along the Dominican-Haitian border. Using a mixed-methods approach, it analyzes the historical and structural mechanisms that perpetuate poverty and maintain racial, economic, and social hierarchies. Findings reveal that poverty in this region is not merely an economic condition, but a system of colonial exclusion reinforced by racialization, labor exploitation, state authority, gender subordination, and epistemic marginalization. Moreover, poverty is strongly associated with Blackness, with «the Haitian one does not want to be», reinforcing the link between racial exclusion and socioeconomic precarity.
Results show that 63,3% of Dominicans identify as «Indio» in various shades, while only 2,75% recognize African ancestry. Additionally, 79% claim Spanish ancestry, reinforcing disassociation from African roots. Economically, poverty persists as Haitians and their descendants have limited access to formal employment and earn significantly lower wages. Regarding state control, 58% of Haitians have been detained at least once in the last two years, reflecting necropolitical control mechanisms. Epistemic marginalization is also evident, with 73,9% believing Haitian practices are incompatible with Dominican identity, further reinforcing economic and social exclusion. The study concludes that it is essential to revise historical narratives, develop inclusive policies, and decolonize knowledge systems to address these structural inequalities, with a particular focus on reducing poverty through equitable access to economic and labor resources.