Youth policy of the Argentine military junta as part of a global conservative response

Abstract

This article examines the youth policy pursued by the military junta as part of the general authoritarian strategies used to control public life and to shape mass worldviews during the last military dictatorship in Argentina (1976-1983). Applying Michel Foucault’s concept of disciplinary power, the author analyses the interaction of military authorities with young people. Particular attention is paid to generational conflict and conservative ideology opposing changes in youth culture. The article also shows how the complex socio-political processes of the last dictatorship in Argentina were linked to the global conservative reaction observed in different countries in the 1970s. The topic touched upon by the author allows for a better understanding of authoritarian practices used to shape social norms, especially when influencing young people.

Keywords

• dictatorship
• argentina
• foucault
• conservative reaction
• youth policy
• military junta