Conceptualization and History of Cacerolazos in Recent Argentina (1982-2013)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to conceptualize the “pot-banging” repertoire of contention, as well as to reconstruct its historical evolution within recent Argentinean history through primary sources, bibliographical references, and the main results of a case study. By doing this, the main goal of the article is to fill two specific gaps in the vast literature on social mobilization in Argentina: the history of middle-class repertoires of contention, and the conceptualization of “pot-banging” as a repertoire with specific features. By discussing Charles Tilly’s concept of “repertoire of collective action”, the first section of the work carries on an effort to conceptualize and distinguish “pot-banging” from other available formats in Argentina. By identifying the four key historical features of the repertoire, the second part of the article is devoted to trace its emergence within three periods in recent Argentinean history: 1982-2000, 2001-2003, and 2004-2013.