Growing up in Latin America: Child and Youth Agency in Contemporary Popular Culture

Growing up in Latin America influences the representation of children and minors in contemporary Latin American literature and film, focusing on agency and their role in historical processes, including gender, migration, violence, post-coloniality, and precarity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Growing up in Latin America has significantly contributed to the growing body of scholarship on the representation of children and minors in contemporary Latin American literature and film. This volume delves deeply into the question of agency and the role of minors as active participants in the complex historical processes of the Latin American continent during the 20th and 21st centuries, both as national citizens and as transnational migrants. The analysis of childhood and youth narratives in this collection of essays focuses on various themes, including gender, migration, violence, post-coloniality, and precarity.

One of the key themes explored in this volume is the impact of gender on children and minors in Latin America. The essays examine how gender roles and stereotypes shape their experiences and opportunities, and how they navigate the social and cultural norms of their communities. For example, one essay explores the experiences of young women in Mexico who are forced into prostitution, while another examines the challenges faced by transgender children in Brazil.

Migration is another significant theme in this volume. The essays explore the various factors that drive migration, including economic opportunities, political instability, and violence. They also examine the experiences of migrants, including the challenges they face in adapting to new cultures and environments, and the impact of migration on their families and communities.

Violence is another central theme in this volume. The essays examine the various forms of violence that children and minors face in Latin America, including domestic violence, sexual violence, and gang violence. They also explore the factors that contribute to violence, such as poverty, inequality, and social exclusion.

Post-coloniality is another important theme in this volume. The essays examine the impact of colonialism on children and minors in Latin America, and how it has shaped their identities and experiences. They also explore the ways in which children and minors are resisting colonialism and advocating for their rights.

Precarity is another theme that is explored in this volume. The essays examine the economic and social conditions that children and minors face in Latin America, and how they are affected by these conditions. They also explore the ways in which children and minors are organizing and advocating for their rights.

One of the strengths of this volume is its interdisciplinary approach. The essays are written by scholars from a variety of disciplines, including literature, film, sociology, and anthropology. This allows for a diverse range of perspectives and insights to be presented, and helps to deepen our understanding of the complex issues surrounding children and minors in Latin America.

Another strength of this volume is its use of qualitative research methods. The essays rely on interviews, observations, and case studies to gather data, and this allows for a more in-depth and nuanced understanding of the experiences of children and minors.

However, there are also some limitations to this volume. One of the main limitations is the lack of representation of certain groups of children and minors in Latin America. For example, there is limited representation of children with disabilities, children from indigenous communities, and children from low-income families. This can make it difficult to understand the experiences of these groups and to develop effective policies and interventions to address their needs.

Another limitation is the lack of attention to the impact of globalization on children and minors in Latin America. While globalization has brought many benefits to the region, it has also led to increased inequality, poverty, and violence. The essays do not fully explore the ways in which globalization is shaping the experiences of children and minors, and how they are responding to these changes.

In conclusion, Growing up in Latin America has significantly contributed to the growing body of scholarship on the representation of children and minors in contemporary Latin American literature and film. This volume delves deeply into the question of agency and the role of minors as active participants in the complex historical processes of the Latin American continent during the 20th and 21st centuries, both as national citizens and as transnational migrants. The analysis of childhood and youth narratives in this collection of essays focuses on various themes, including gender, migration, violence, post-coloniality, and precarity. While there are some limitations to this volume, it is a valuable resource for scholars and policymakers interested in understanding the experiences of children and minors in Latin America.

Weight: 567g
Dimension: 227 x 160 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666916874