Antagonisms in Life-defense Struggles as Processes of Social Re-politicization in Latin America

Abstract

My essay presents a commentary on Juan Pablo Pérez Sáinz’s study entitled “Las desiguldades y la re-politicización de lo social en América Latina” (“Inequalities and the Re-Politicization of the Social in Latin America”). Using a critical approach that the author proposes for processes of re-politicizing the social, as well as (dis)empowerment, both brought on by sweeping changes to the (neo)liberal order, I undertake an exercise in dialogue, expansion and feedback with regard to conflicts and collective responses, yearning and transformative possibilities in contexts of socio-environmental conflict. In particular, I present sketches of social antagonism from community struggles that defend life against extractive aggression that attacks territories and means of subsistence.