LACS 101 (College of Charleston) Final Exam- Chapter 9

How did Allende's government end?

Allende's government ended when he was forced to resignate by the military, who, led by Chilean women who wanted to make a change in the way economics, politics and social relations were. Shortly after resigning, General Augusto Pinochet replaced him. On September 11, 1973, Allende died in a military coup.

How did Chile's middle class women view Allende's government?

Chilean middle class women viewed Allende's government as the "democratic road to socialism" (337). Many felt that the lower class was taking over, and that nothing would be left for them. Their feelings transpired into active opposition, in where there were consumer shortages and a large amount of political violence.

When was divorce legalized in Chile?

Divorce was legalized in Chile in 2004, in which the new law overturned a legal code that was established in 1884. With that, Chile became the last country in the Western Hemisphere to make divorce legal (The New York Times). The only term that came with getting a divorce was that a couple "may divorce a year after separating if both partners agree to split up" (BBC News).

Who was Gabriela Mistral (1889-1957)?

Gabriela Mistral was a Latin American poet who became its first Nobel laureate, by winning the prize for her works of literature in 1945 (Winn 333). She was well known for battling the public stereotypes of ideas and themes that were once thought of being in the "male domain" (333). Her efforts and commitments to rural education and victimization of French fascism allowed for her to become a woman "engaged in the world outside of the home" (333).

When did Chilean and Argentine women receive the right to vote? In the US?

In Chile and Argentina, women were allowed to vote in national elections in 1949. But many feminists were disappointed in the resulting Meanwhile, in the US, women were allowed to vote in 1920.

How can you compare General Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship with the Dirty War in Argentina?

In both Pinochet's dictatorship and the Dirty War in Argentina, military force was used. In order to seize power, the military was used. Pinochet used it as an excuse to break down the economic, social and political crisis that took place during Allende's governing. Over time, his regime caused for the killing, exile and torturing of thousands of Chileans (Wikipedia), which is like the results of the Dirty War.

Define "Marianismo".

Marianismo was the name for the ideal female conduct that all women were expected to live by. This ideal perspective, based off of the Virgin Mary, subjected woman to "humility and self-sacrifice" while establishing and affirming the "moral superiority" of a woman. Only a few women could actually live by this standard, because most could not afford to.

Who is Michelle Bachelet? What role did she play in recent Chilean history?

Michelle Bachelet was the first female Minister of Defense, who was a leading candidate to succeed Ricardo Lagos as the president in 2006. At Villa Grimaldi, Bachelet was imprisoned and tortured, but she survived and became a physician. Her success as the Minister of Defense and her "appeal to ordinary people", made her a favorite in the early opinion polls and the "likely standard bearer of the governing coalition" (360). After being elected, she served as the first woman president from 2006 to 2010.

What were some of the problems with Salvador Allende's socialist government?

One problem with Allende's government was that it hoped to bring in the support of poor housewives in the "democratic road to socialism"(338) by promising the benefits of increased incomes and medical, housing and other social programs. When all of those resources ran out, consumer shortages and inflation occurred. Also, by 1973, the economy was nearly in ruins, social relations were divided, and politics were divided by political attitudes.

Define "olla comun".

Peter Winn defines "olla comun" as the "communal kitchen" (345). Female workers who went on strike would set up a big cauldron opposite from the side of the factory. With this, they would collect food donations and cook for other workers who were also on strike. The olla comun was a tradition of organized labor in Chile (345).

How and when did Pinochet's dictatorship end?

Pinochet's dictatorship ended in March 1990, when he handed over his presidential sash to Patricio Aylwin. His reign as president ended when the Chilean women voted in October of 1988. The majority of their votes said "No" to him being in office for another eight years.

Who are the "Arpilleras"?

The arpilleras are "applied landscapes" that were heavily decorated by Chilean peasant women, which showed scenes of rural life. They became but a form of political protest during the military regime period. Also, they became a means of "self-support" and a way for women to express their struggles throughout their lives.

What is the most common job for a woman in Latin America?

The most common job for a woman in Latin America is a worker in the work force. Though many were presidents, artists, and labor organizers, women were put in a position to join the workforce when economic turmoil and internal migrations put themselves and their families in poor condition.

Increasingly, women have entered the workforce. Explain.

Women have entered the workforce because of an increase of "new opportunities and new necessities" (Winn 331). Between 1950 and 2000, statistics showed that the percentage of women working outside of the home increased, from 22 percent to 44 percent. In various countries such as Chile, Peru and Mexico, many circumstances arose for the possibility of women being able to work outside of the home.