Politics, the Streets and Indigenous Childhood in Argentina

Abstract

In Argentina, indigenous children’s everyday lives develop in a complex scenery, known for its strong strains between state institutions, private enterprises and other social agents with countering interests. Indigenous rights implementation has been very limited, while this population suffers from social exclusion in both north and south regions. Therefore, it’s not rare for indigenous children to take part in subsistence and political activities. This article analyzes state reactions to such participation – police repression, institutionalization and attempts to revoke parent’s custody – that put a strain on human rights’ speech, restoring the logic of minority and the tutelary power over indigenous peoples. We work on ethnographic materials and press reports produced in the cases of mapuche children of Neuquén, and mbya guarani children of Misiones.