A Feminist Perspective of Activism in Argentina’s Dictatorship and The Disappeared, 1976-1983

Abstract

This thesis is a literary, oral, historical, and political observation and analysis of Argentinean life. When responses to the Argentine dictatorship of the 70s and 80s are viewed through a feminist lens, patterns are discovered. These are confirmed in interviews with four women who experienced the dictatorship in different ways. The interviews support the conclusion that education, building a social movement, opening creative spaces, and understanding the effects of dominance and toleration are vital to understanding a community’s responses to the dictatorship. It is through an exploration of these main themes, together with an account of Argentinian independent literature, a victims’ report, and the current status of activist circles that a clearer picture of the country’s status can be imagined. Further ideas are explored such as the conditions required for civil conflict to arise, and how women’s experiences with activism and emotion may be analyzed and understood.