Department or Program
History
Abstract
Chile’s history in the 20th century was defined by two forms of leadership: Salvador Allende’s left-wing, socialist policies that focused on the working class and land reform, and Augusto Pinochet’s far-right dictatorship that lasted seventeen years and led to the disappearance of thousands. However, each presidency was opposed by a large group of women, whose protests and organization started the continuous scrutiny to each man until the end of his leadership. Right-wing women were behind the infamous March of the Empty Pots and Pans that opened discussion about the shortages of goods during Allende’s presidency. Left-wing women started sewing arpilleras, tapestries that depicted the horrors of Pinochet’s dictatorship. Although the two groups look different, their methods of resistance and demonstration had to do with their beliefs as women and mothers. My thesis explores how politically right-wing women and left-wing women protested against Allende and Pinochet using motherhood as a personal motivation and political tactic. I discuss why motherhood became a factor in protests against each administration’s financial crises, and how this appeared in various media from 1970–1990. I also discuss how Chile’s gender roles influenced women’s perceptions of their motherhood and activism, and how this affected the image they portrayed of themselves to the public and a wider world in protests.
Level of Access
Open Access
First Advisor
Melvin, Karen
Date of Graduation
5-2025
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Recommended Citation
Chicago Style
Number of Pages
105
