Danny Daniel Mollericona Alfaro, First-Year PhD Student in Sociology
The Journey to Solidarity–Seeking Inclusion by Examining Exclusion
Written by Jenny Jiyoung Bae
Edited by Miyabi Shinki
Danny Daniel Mollericona Alfaro is a dedicated race and ethnicity researcher focusing on the global discourse of indigeneity and the intersection of ethnoracial identities and inequality. As a graduate fellow at the Yale Center for the Study of Race, Indigeneity, and Transnational Migration (RITM), Danny brings a nuanced understanding of racism and colonialism to his academic work and beyond.
Danny’s journey into sociology was sparked by Tierra y libertad: la revolución nacional y el indio by Fausto Reinaga. Although he initially considered a career in law or international relations, his engagement with extracurricular activities for scholarships led him to this seminal book. Its exploration of racism in Bolivia resonated deeply with Danny, igniting his passion for sociology and its potential to unveil and challenge structural inequalities.
Before joining Yale, Danny earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, followed by two master’s degrees: one in Social Sciences from Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales and another in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence at Brandeis University. Alongside his academic pursuits, he served as a university lecturer in Bolivian institutions and as a social inclusion consultant for organizations like the World Bank.
Danny’s initial research centered around the ethnography of alcohol consumption and its role in fostering a collective sense of community in urban contexts. However, the political turmoil in Bolivia in 2019 shifted his focus to the manifestations of racism and its dynamics in political conflicts. This pivotal moment inspired Danny to expand his inquiry to the international stage by examining how racism influences global political and social frameworks.
Danny is currently working on two research projects: the first investigates Indigenous solidarity in the face of environmental conflicts. The second explores the relationship between external identification and income inequality among the indigenous populations. Looking ahead, Danny aspires to delve into the history of intellectual ideas on racism and examine how these knowledge productions shape public policy.
Starting his PhD at Yale, Danny describes the Sociology Department as an ideal intellectual hub. With its many workshops and open academic environment, he appreciates the opportunity to explore diverse sociological dimensions and methodologies. He values the department’s emphasis on fostering critical discourse, stating that interactions with intellectually stimulating peers have continuously challenged and refined his ideas.
“Honesty is the most required value as a researcher,” Danny asserts. He believes sociology's role is to uncover hidden truths, provide transparent information, and facilitate public debate. He views this work as essential to equipping social activists and policymakers with the tools to address inequality and injustice.
Danny’s aspirations extend beyond the academic sphere. With a core mission to promote social justice, he envisions contributing both within and outside academia, leveraging his research and advocacy to foster meaningful societal change. He stands out as a researcher who not only interrogates the complexities of race and indigeneity but also actively contributes to creating a more equitable world.