Dissent, protest and resistance: Discourses of contestation and mental healthcare in Buenos Aires

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyse the concept of “dissent” under the light of political practice in Argentina. I propose a critical theoretical position, which differentiates different discourse practices of contestation: resistance, dissent and protest. After a theoretical discussion regarding the difference between actors and contestation discourse practices, I argue the need for an empirical approach to political discourse theory. Hence, I analyse discourses of resistance, dissent and protest in the process of emergence, discussion and (non-)appliance of the National Law of Mental Health in Argentina.