The following interviews aim to present this year’s theme, “Crisis and Futures of Capitalism: Power, Technology, and Environment.” For this purpose, we spoke with researchers Maritza Paredes and Anke Kaulard. Throughout the interview, key concepts were discussed to understand the environmental issues in current capitalism, such as the notions of “territory,” “territorial conflict,” and “climate justice.” In this approach, the need to understand the territory holistically is emphasized as a social and symbolic production, that is both contested and negotiated by various actors and in which meaning, interdependence with nature, historical processes, social practices, and power relations are inscribed. Additionally, the limitations of how the state is structured to address these conflicts are discussed. Similarly, attention is drawn to the various responses communities undertake in the face of the reconfiguration and attempt to control their territories within the framework of contemporary capitalism.
(Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, 2024-09-06) Monge Alarcón, María Fernanda
This article aims to explore the labor challenges faced by Peruvian students in the Summer Work Travel (SWT) program. Using an autoethnographic methodology, I analyze and reflect on my own experience as a participant in the SWT program, considering the conflicts faced by young participants and the strategies they develop in response to these situations. In this sense, I question the implications of SWT as an exchange program whose participants fulfill roles as temporary migrant workers.
(Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, 2024-09-06) Cruz Reyes, Yaiza
The following article presents the results obtained from the ethnographic case study conducted in the locality of Piedracava in 2022, focusing on the transformations in the stonemason craft following the arrival of large companies to the region. It has been observed that the presence of the quarrying industry, to which these companies belong, has generated conflicts between traditional workers and those associated with the industry, due to differences in extraction techniques and the recognition of professional skills. The introduction of a capitalist mode of production has transformed the organizational structure of the stonemasonry craft and has significantly impacted the local economy, as industrial techniques and demands have been prioritized. Additionally, public policies and governmental institutions have also influenced the regulation of the craft, subordinating cultural practices to market demands. Despite this scenario, master stonemasons have found various forms of cultural resistance, such as preserving traditional relationships with the environment and the community. This resistance is manifested both in the defense of traditional techniques and in the pursuit of recognition and appreciation of their work.
(Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, 2024-09-06) Cueva Naveas, Ariana
This analysis explores the interconnection between the global mental health crisis and the expansion of neoliberalism through the song “Interlude: Shadow” by BTS. It addresses the relevance of K-pop music as a vehicle for examining the effects of postmodernity and neoliberalism on people’s lives. Through an initial theoretical review, relevant concepts such as consumption-oriented perceptions of success and pressure for personal performance are discussed. The second part of the analysis focuses on the music video for “Shadow,” highlighting the internal struggles of BTS members and their critique of the demands for success and well-being in a neoliberal context. This study reveals how music serves as a platform to raise awareness of mental health issues in an era dominated by self-exploitation and the pursuit of performance.
(Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, 2024-09-06) Martucelli García, Daniela
This study provides a detailed analysis of the experience of a Latina migrant in the city of London. The complexities of her integration into the British capital are explored through mobile ethnography. The case of the young Peruvian girl reveals how urban mobility between the neighbourhoods of Elephant Castle and Kensington translates into a transition between social and economic worlds that influence her identity and consumption habits. Thus, the study examines the racialization she experiences and her perception of economic differences from her work at the luxury department store Harrods. These factors result in her feeling external to the capitalist system, even while being economically and legally integrated into it. The findings contribute to understanding the social, economic, and cultural dynamics affecting the lives of migrants in urban contexts.
(Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, 2024-09-06) Luna Paredes, Andrea
The article analyzes the film “Hija de la laguna” (2015) as a paradigmatic case of socio-environmental documentary, whose purpose is to mark a political position through the image and audiovisual treatment in order to position itself in favor of the environmental struggles, in this case, against mining extractivism, as it seeks to portray peasant demands, taking into account the point of view of activist Nélidad Ayay.
(Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, 2024-09-06) Montoya Díaz, Raúl Humberto
The “ollas comunes” (CO) (“common pots”) have played an important role as essential food organizations over the past four years during the COVID-19 pandemic, serving as the primary food sources for numerous families facing difficulties during this period. The objective of this paper is to present an introductory context on the role of common pots during the pandemic. Following this, a brief overview of the state of the issue concerning community kitchens and common pots in Peru and Latin America will be presented. The methodology used in this paper was a literature review, analyzing previous research on these food organizations.
(Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, 2024-09-06) Cavani Guzmán, Pierina
This article aims to discuss one of the findings of the research conducted for my undergraduate thesis: the impact of urbanization and industrialization processes on peri-urban agricultural production in the Nuevo Horizonte de Carapongo association. In this regard, the goal is to analyze the development of industrialization and urbanization phenomena in this association and then examine their relationship with the changes generated in the agricultural production of the area. Based on the concepts of peri-urban space and deagrarianization, this research seeks to contribute to the academic discussion on the deagrarianization process of peri-urban spaces.