Authoritarianism and narratives on subalternity in Guatemala and El Salvador: the communist and the gang member

Abstract

Revista CIDOB d’Afers Internacionals, nº 132, p. 145-167
Quadrimestral (October-December 2022)
ISSN:1133-6595 | E-ISSN:2013-035X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24241/rcai.2022.132.3.145

Reception date: 11.05.22 ; Acceptance date: 13.09.22

This paper explores two narratives on subalternity promoted by the state and conservative power groupings in Guatemala and El Salvador – those of the communist and of the gang member – whose role in providing cultural support for authoritarianism is emphasised. Revisiting Gramsci’s notions of “common sense” and Thompson’s proposed “moral economy”, we analyse how narratives have been woven and updated about subaltern subjects that are considered extremely “dangerous” and liable to be “eradicated”. Common elements of the two case studies are identified, along with the specific features of each. From our perspective, these narratives bring a kind of rationality to longstanding, extremely violent authoritarian practices in the region.

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