In Defense of Circular Time: Cycles of Feminist Activism in Argentina and Brazil

This article explores the intricate processes of identity formation in postcolonial nations like Argentina and Brazil, focusing on the intertwined systems of capitalism, Eurocentrism, and patriarchy that underpin these societies. It explores how decolonial feminists have been challenging these oppressive structures since the 1970s, emphasizing the cyclical nature of feminist activism and the evolving tactics used to resist state violence and oppression. Acknowledging Sidney Tarrow’s theory of the cyclical nature of social movements and borrowing from the narrative approaches of Argentine decolonial feminists, the article confronts the linear narrative of progress in nation building, offering alternative viewpoints that prioritize resistance to oppression and the voices of marginalized communities. By examining the emergence of women’s movements, the professionalization of feminism, and the grassroots responses to right-wing backlash, the article presents a detailed account that connects historical and contemporary feminist struggles in Argentina and Brazil.