Dictatorships, workers and trade-unions in the second half of the 20th century: Dialogue and connections among the cases of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay

Abstract

This chapter aims to propose possible future lines of research for studies of workers and trade-unions in the dictatorships of five South American countries. Starting from a central focus in the last Argentinian dictatorship (1976–1983), it seeks to open lines of dialogue with recent academic contributions on the dictatorships of Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay in the second half of the 20th century, and particularly during the Cold War period, which presented specific features in Latin America. These countries were selected for their historical and geographic proximity, the links between their historical processes, and also because of the growing contact between researchers and academic institutions that has enabled these exchanges. Recognising that, until very recently, studies of dictatorships, workers and unions have been relatively marginal in the overall consideration of the different phases of the dictatorships, three main issues will be addressed here. First, we will reviewsome of the existing research on the impact of dictatorial policies on workers and trade-unions, looking at repression, but not limited to that. Second, we will look at analyses of what is commonly referred to as “resistance” to the dictatorships among workers and unions. This covers a wide range of action and forms of organisation within different sectors of the working class and the trade union movement during the dictatorships. Third, we will analyse some recent perspectives that seek to address “social consensus” or “consent” to the dictatorship. Finally, we will make some proposals for future research in these fields, with the aim of consolidating a possible research agenda on the subject in South America.