Social Movements in Latin America

Social movements are an important part of Latin American history, as they advocated desired changes among Latin society, sometimes with little or no violence. Important social movements in Latin America are usually a response to government policies, as well as economic downfalls, but can also be triggered by racial inequality and discrimination. Latin society encountered a range of movements, from labor to feminist to human rights. Nationalist movements that arose in Latin America were some of the most important in the region, which opted for an increased feeling of nationalism and the removal of imperialism. Major dissatisfaction may sometimes lead to a revolution, as seen in Cuba. Other movements, such as the Labour Movement, opt for economic changes, which target poverty, fairness among working classes and unions. Newer social movements, such as the feminist movement, advocate stepping away from the usual male dominated society and creating recognition, equality and appreication towards women. Countries such as Mexico, all the way down to Chile, have witnessed and experienced social movements of all types, all in efforts to advocate and bring about changes to meet their essential needs.

"The July 26th Movement" is one of the most celebrated and revolutionary socialist movements in Cuban history. Primarily organised and lead by Fidel Castro, he and 81 other revolutionaries successfully overthrew the notorious dictatorship lead by Fulgencio Batista. Despite the many deaths, failures and imprisonments Castro and his fellow revolutionaries witnessed and experienced themselves, their determination to overthrow the infamous dictator never wore off. A movement such as this reveals just how important it is to not only Fidel Castro, but many other Cubans, to sustain their rights and maintain equality.

 

The Feminist Movement of Latin America was a social movement that had not been witnessed by much of society, due to the fact that womens rights were restricted. The goal of this movement was to encourage and reveal the identity of women, as well as to challenge "manchismo"; intensive masculine pride. Many aspects of society were questioned and challenged, such as why women did not recieve adequate education, why they were restricted from employment, and why their reproductive rights were poorly set, to name a few. The feminist waves that occured throughout Latin America are considered to be a turning point for women, as these events revealed the demand for womens rights and freedoms.

 

Environmental concerns have recently been uprising throughout Latin America, not only to protect ecological systems and important resources, but also to protect sacred cultural sites for indigenous groups, primarily those residing in the Amazon region. Many people throughout Latin America have come together, with the use of campaigns and social movements, to draw attention to their environmental concerns. Governments have begun to take action, and millions of dollars have been spent in efforts to protect the Latin American land and resources. Throughout the past, the environment was not made a priority and was lacking the proper care needed, but now, with the attention recieved from the creation of social movements and organizations, awareness has successfully been made.

Since the Industrial Revolution in England took its course throughout the world, labour movements and workers demands for rights have been springing throughout Latin America. Ideologies such as Anarchism and socialism were the guiding factors behind the labour movements that took place. Workers from all fields, such as dockers, oil workers and miners expressed their concerns and demands throughtout the entire region of Latin America, but primarily in areas such as Argentina, Brazil and Mexico where populations were high and workers were plentiful. The unity that these movements created is magnificent. Workers not only in Latin America, but throughout the world, shared a sense of collective identity, as they were the ones that guided the worlds economy. The demand for liberty was put forth in the eyes of the Latin American community. Countries such as Columbia worked towards meeting the needs of their workers, by providing essential needs such as water and electricity. The labor movements were so influential throughout Latin America that workers were considered in poltical decisions and policies. Workers finally began to get the attention from governments that they for so long desired.