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The Politics of Gender, Sexuality, and Labor in the Chilean Agrarian Reform of 1950

Casey Bell

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Published in Partners In Conflict: The Politics Of Gender Sexuality And Labor In The Chilean Agrarian Reform 1950 1973 (Next Wave: New Directions In Women S Studies)

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A Group Of People Working In A Field During The Chilean Agrarian Reform Of 1950 Partners In Conflict: The Politics Of Gender Sexuality And Labor In The Chilean Agrarian Reform 1950 1973 (Next Wave: New Directions In Women S Studies)

The Chilean Agrarian Reform of 1950 was a major social and economic transformation that had a profound impact on the lives of rural Chileans. The reform sought to redistribute land from large landowners to small-scale farmers, and it also introduced a number of new labor and social welfare programs. While the reform was generally successful in achieving its goals, it also had a number of unintended consequences, including the displacement of many rural women from the workforce and an increase in sexual violence against women.

Partners in Conflict: The Politics of Gender, Sexuality, and Labor in the Chilean Agrarian Reform, 1950–1973 (Next Wave: New Directions in Women's Studies)

by Heidi Tinsman

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Gender and the Agrarian Reform

One of the most significant ways that the Agrarian Reform affected gender was by changing the roles that women played in the rural economy. Prior to the reform, women were primarily responsible for unpaid domestic labor and childcare. They also worked in the fields alongside their husbands, but they were not typically paid for their labor. The Agrarian Reform, however, created new opportunities for women to earn a wage. As part of the reform, the government established a number of new agricultural cooperatives, and women were encouraged to join these cooperatives and work as paid laborers.

While the Agrarian Reform did create new opportunities for women, it also had a number of negative consequences for women. For one thing, the reform led to the displacement of many rural women from the workforce. As large landowners were forced to sell their land, they often laid off their female workers. This was because women were typically paid less than men, and they were often seen as less productive. As a result, many rural women were left without work and without a source of income.

Another negative consequence of the Agrarian Reform was an increase in sexual violence against women. As men lost their land and their livelihoods, they often turned to violence against women as a way to express their frustration and anger. This violence often took the form of rape, beatings, and other forms of abuse. The increase in sexual violence against women was a major problem during the Agrarian Reform, and it is something that still affects rural women in Chile today.

Sexuality and the Agrarian Reform

The Agrarian Reform also had a significant impact on sexuality in rural Chile. Prior to the reform, homosexuality was largely invisible in rural society. However, the Agrarian Reform created new spaces for homosexuality to be expressed. The new agricultural cooperatives, for example, provided a place where men could meet and socialize with each other outside of the traditional family structure. This led to an increase in same-sex relationships among rural men.

The Agrarian Reform also led to an increase in sexual violence against gay and bisexual men. As men lost their land and their livelihoods, they often turned to violence against gay and bisexual men as a way to express their frustration and anger. This violence often took the form of beatings, rape, and even murder. The increase in sexual violence against gay and bisexual men was a major problem during the Agrarian Reform, and it is something that still affects gay and bisexual men in Chile today.

Labor and the Agrarian Reform

The Agrarian Reform also had a major impact on labor relations in rural Chile. Prior to the reform, agricultural workers were typically paid very low wages and worked long hours. They also had few rights and no job security. The Agrarian Reform, however, introduced a number of new labor laws that improved the working conditions of agricultural workers. These laws included a minimum wage, a maximum number of hours that workers could be required to work, and the right to form unions.

The Agrarian Reform also created a number of new employment opportunities for rural workers. As part of the reform, the government invested in new agricultural infrastructure, such as irrigation systems and roads. This investment created new jobs in construction and maintenance. The Agrarian Reform also led to the creation of new agricultural cooperatives, which provided employment for many rural workers.

While the Agrarian Reform did improve the working conditions of agricultural workers, it also had a number of negative consequences for workers. For one thing, the reform led to the displacement of many rural workers. As large landowners were forced to sell their land, they often laid off their workers. This was because the new, smaller farms did not require as many workers as the large estates. As a result, many rural workers were left without work and without a source of income.

Another negative consequence of the Agrarian Reform was an increase in labor unrest. As workers became more aware of their rights, they began to demand better working conditions and higher wages. This led to a number of strikes and protests, which sometimes turned violent. The increase in labor unrest was a major problem during the Agrarian Reform, and it is something that still affects rural workers in Chile today.

Partners in Conflict: The Politics of Gender, Sexuality, and Labor in the Chilean Agrarian Reform, 1950–1973 (Next Wave: New Directions in Women's Studies)

by Heidi Tinsman

4 out of 5