Juana Gamero de Coca

Abstract


Unemployment and Violence

Job markets historically offer a space in which young men can find a sense of belonging, as well as give them the economic tools to fulfill the social expectations traditionally assigned to men. However, in a time of scarce work opportunities, as in the present era, this feeling of significance is threatened. The empty space created by lack of opportunity leads to new forms of personal development, in which violence gains a new relevance. On one hand, it is transformed into an economic shortcut, such as criminal violence, but it also supposes a valuation tied to the illusory demonstration of power and strength, such as gratuitous violence. In this presentation, I try to integrate the unemployment crisis with the crisis of violence that affects Latin America so dramatically today. 

Part of Unemployment, Violence and Terror

 

Biography


Juana Gamero de Coca (Middlebury College)

Juana Gamero de Coca teaches courses on Spanish language, literature, and culture. A native of Alburquerque (Badajoz), Spain, she received a PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2004 and, just a few months later, was teaching in Middlebury’s Spanish and Portuguese department. In addition to her doctorate, she holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s degree from New Mexico State University. Her research areas include 20th and 21st century Spanish culture and narrative with a focus on gender. Gamero de Coca is the author of Nación y género en la invención de Extremadura: Soñando fronteras de cielo y barro (Mirabel, 2005) and La mirada monstruosa de la memoria (Libertarias, 2009). 

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