Thursday Night Talk

dublin | rights and freedoms | opinion/analysis Tuesday September 04, 2012 12:25 by LASC

Social Movements Matter?

Social Movements Matter?
Indigenous Social Movements in the Andes.
Talk by Gemma Mc Nulty

Gemma is currently undertaking her PhD at Dublin City University. Her research investigates the relationship between indigenous social movements and leftist parties in Latin America. In particular the research explores the ways in which social movements can help mobilise votes for political parties in general.
Having returned from an eleven week field trip to Bolivia and Peru, the talk will focus on some of her findings. Reflecting on interviews conducted with indigenous social movement leaders, politicians and NGO workers, the talk will also explore indigenous social movement behaviour generally. For example, the differences amongst indigenous social movements, issues facing these movements and tactics undertaken by the movements.
Primary video footage and some snippets from interviews will be used to provide an overview of movements and their behaviour. In particular, the case of Bolivia will be discussed and, specifically, how movements helped MAS get into power in 2005. The talk will also be an interesting opportunity to compare notes on movements from other countries, such as the home countries of those in attendance, and ask ourselves why movements mobilise in some countries and not in others. Comparing Bolivia or Peru to Ireland may be of particular interest.