Latin American Social Movements

The current political situation in Latin America is dynamic and complex. The relatively democratic regimes in the region attempt to contain the outpouring of popular discontent triggered by the deepening of neoliberalism, but often social movements go beyond what is officially tolerated by these states. This edited volume by Hank Johnston and Paul Almeida makes an excellent contribution to our understanding of the creative force of Latin American social movements in the context of globalization. -- Allen Cordero, Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales (FLACSO), Costa Rica Latin American Social Movements is a panorama of the various types of social movements that have arisen under the new context of liberalization in Latin America. It analyzes protests against the privatization caused by neoliberal policies, cuts in urban public services, and demands for adequate housing and land. It also discusses claims for social justice and environmental protection. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to know and understand the current social mobilizations, the wave of contentions, and the new types of popular movements that appeared in Latin America in 1990 and continue today. -- Maria da Gloria Gohn, The University of Campinas and Uninove University, Brazil Recommended. CHOICE Latin American Social Movements is appropriate for students in advanced undergraduate classes, as well as for graduate students. The volume contributes an understanding of how various Latin American popular mobilizations are responding to neoliberalism, in some instances through linkages with transnational networks. Contemporary Sociology This collection details the evolving pattern of popular mobilizations across Latin America. At the intersection of punishing neoliberal development policies and growing democratization, the authors discover the paradoxical blend of human costs and political opportunities that we call globalization. -- John Walton, University of California, Davis