Ten years ago, unemployed workers movements blocking main roads in Buenos Aires became together with the middle classes’ cacerolazos the face and main forms of protest of the Argentine crisis in 2001/2002. Between the middle of the 1990s and 2001, these unemployed workers movements, the piqueteros, managed to position themselves in the center of attention of politics, media and society. At the peak moment of the crisis, the movement seemed to be unstoppable, who had a crucial impact on bringing down de La Rúa’s as well as Duhalde’s government, made efforts to coordinate different movements in the Asamblea Nacional Piquetera and was invited for talks by Nestór Kirchner as soon as he assumed presidency in 2003.
In spite of the enormous potential of the piqueteros at that point of time, the importance and support of the movement have widely diminished over the last decade − even though their original concerns, Argentina’s inequality, poverty and unemployed rates, still remain. The piqueteros’ most visible heritage, the road block, has replaced conventional strikes and is now not only used by unemployed workers movements, but by all kind of movements. It has become part of the country’s everyday life and converted Argentina into a “piquetero nation”.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1 Research focus and questions
- 1.2 Methodology and focus groups
- 2. Theoretical Framework
- 2.1 The concept of social capital
- 2.2 Different types of social capital
- 3. The emergence of the piqueteros
- 3.1 The beginnings of the movement
- 3.2 The economic crisis of 2001
- 3.2.1 A catalyst for the piqueteros
- 3.2.2 The fragmentation of the movement
- 3.3 The Kirchner era: A paradigm shift
- 3.3.1 A new official strategy
- 3.3.2 Implications of the new assistantialist policies on the piqueteros
- 4. Consequences for the social capital of the piqueteros
- 4.1 Adaptation of the moderate piqueteros
- 4.2 The radical block of the piqueteros
- 4.3 The rise of the consenso antipiquetero
- 5. Reactions to changes and the current state of piqueteros movements
- 5.1 The Coordinadora de trabajadores desocupados (CTD) Aníbal Verón
- 5.2 The Federación de Tierra, Vivienda y Habitat (FTV)
- 5.3 The Unión de Trabajadores Desocupados (UTD) General Mosconi
- 6. Conclusion: The impact of the piqueteros on Argentina's democracy
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper analyzes the trajectory of the Argentine piqueteros movement after the 2001 crisis, examining how governmental strategies and internal dynamics have impacted its social capital and influence. The study aims to understand the lifecycle of this social movement and its lasting effects on Argentine society and democracy.
- The evolution of the piqueteros movement since the Argentinazo.
- The role of social capital in the success and transformation of the movement.
- The impact of Kirchner's government policies on the piqueteros.
- The fragmentation and internal dynamics within the piqueteros movement.
- The long-term consequences of the piqueteros movement on Argentine democracy.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by highlighting the significant role of the piqueteros movement during the 2001/2002 Argentine crisis. It emphasizes the movement's initial success in gaining political attention and influence, contrasting this with its diminished impact in the following decade. The chapter introduces the research questions focusing on the movement's lifecycle, the effects of Kirchner's government policies, and its future prospects. The concept of social capital is presented as a key analytical lens for understanding the movement's trajectory, specifically investigating its ability to generate and maintain social connections at various levels of society.
2. Theoretical Framework: This chapter establishes the theoretical foundation for analyzing the piqueteros movement. It introduces the concept of social capital, drawing upon the work of Bourdieu, Coleman, and Putnam, emphasizing its role in fostering coordinated action and social cohesion. Different types of social capital – bonding, bridging, and linking – are defined and their relevance to the movement's success is highlighted. The chapter lays the groundwork for understanding how social capital can be created, maintained, or eroded within a social movement context, providing a framework for analyzing the piqueteros' experiences.
3. The emergence of the piqueteros: This chapter delves into the origins and early development of the piqueteros movement, tracing its evolution from its beginnings to its peak influence during the 2001 economic crisis. It explores the role of the crisis in galvanizing the movement and examines the factors that contributed to its initial success. The chapter analyzes the movement's internal dynamics and its interactions with the political system, highlighting the crucial role it played in shaping the political landscape during a period of profound national instability.
4. Consequences for the social capital of the piqueteros: This chapter explores the consequences of the Kirchner administration's policies on the social capital of the piqueteros movement. It examines the differing responses of moderate and radical factions within the movement, analyzing how the implementation of new social programs affected their organizational structure, internal cohesion, and relationships with other societal groups. The chapter discusses the impact of these policies on the movement's ability to generate and maintain various types of social capital.
5. Reactions to changes and the current state of piqueteros movements: This chapter focuses on the reactions of three significant piquetero groups—the CTD Aníbal Verón, the FTV, and the UTD General Mosconi—to the changing political and socio-economic context. It examines how these groups adapted their strategies and maintained or lost influence in the face of government interventions and evolving social dynamics. The chapter offers a nuanced perspective on the diverse responses within the movement and their implications for the future.
Keywords
Argentine piqueteros, social movements, social capital, economic crisis, political mobilization, Kirchner era, assistantialist policies, fragmentation, democracy, road block protests, unemployment, poverty, inequality.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of the Argentine Piqueteros Movement
What is the main focus of this research paper?
This paper analyzes the trajectory of the Argentine piqueteros movement after the 2001 crisis. It examines how governmental strategies and internal dynamics impacted the movement's social capital and influence, aiming to understand its lifecycle and lasting effects on Argentine society and democracy.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the evolution of the piqueteros movement since the 2001 crisis, the role of social capital in its success and transformation, the impact of Kirchner's government policies, the movement's internal fragmentation and dynamics, and its long-term consequences on Argentine democracy.
What is the methodology used in this research?
The paper utilizes a theoretical framework grounded in the concept of social capital, drawing on the work of Bourdieu, Coleman, and Putnam. It analyzes the movement's trajectory by examining its ability to generate and maintain social connections at various levels of society. Specific methodology details, including focus groups, are likely described in the full text.
What is the significance of social capital in this study?
Social capital is a crucial analytical lens for understanding the movement's trajectory. The study examines how different types of social capital (bonding, bridging, and linking) influenced the movement's success, its internal cohesion, and its ability to achieve its goals.
How did the 2001 economic crisis affect the piqueteros movement?
The 2001 economic crisis served as a catalyst for the piqueteros movement, galvanizing its initial growth and success in gaining political attention and influence. The chapter detailing the emergence of the piqueteros explores this pivotal role of the crisis in shaping the movement's trajectory.
What was the impact of Kirchner's government policies on the piqueteros?
The Kirchner era marked a paradigm shift, introducing new official strategies and assistantialist policies that significantly impacted the piqueteros. The paper analyzes how these policies affected the movement's internal dynamics, its fragmentation, and its ability to maintain social capital.
How did the piqueteros movement fragment internally?
The piqueteros movement experienced significant internal fragmentation, with the emergence of both moderate and radical factions. These divisions are analyzed in the context of the changing political landscape and the government's response to the movement.
What are some of the key piquetero groups discussed in the paper?
The paper focuses on three significant piquetero groups: the Coordinadora de trabajadores desocupados (CTD) Aníbal Verón, the Federación de Tierra, Vivienda y Habitat (FTV), and the Unión de Trabajadores Desocupados (UTD) General Mosconi, examining their responses to changing circumstances.
What is the overall conclusion of the paper regarding the impact of the piqueteros on Argentine democracy?
The concluding chapter assesses the long-term impact of the piqueteros movement on Argentine democracy, offering a comprehensive perspective on its legacy and lasting consequences.
What are the key words associated with this research?
Key words include Argentine piqueteros, social movements, social capital, economic crisis, political mobilization, Kirchner era, assistantialist policies, fragmentation, democracy, road block protests, unemployment, poverty, and inequality.
- Citar trabajo
- Neele Meyer (Autor), 2012, The trajectory of the Argentine piqueteros movement after the Argentinazo , Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/214905
