Gabriela Mistral y la visibilidad de los sujetos marginales: una crítica a las prácticas hegemónicas desde la interseccionalidad

This article analyzes the relevance of the visibility of marginalized subject-bodies in political, cultural, and social contexts, focusing on the political and poetic texts of Gabriela Mistral. It examines how hegemonic practices and discourses reorganize marginality without permitting real transformation in power relations. Utilizing the theoretical framework of intersectionality and engaging with authors such as bell hooks, Judith Butler, Sara Ahmed, and Angela Davis, the study delves into Mistral's critique of superficial forms of recognition that perpetuate inequalities. Mistral emphasizes the necessity of authentic participation from marginalized spaces, avoiding the need for marginalized subject-bodies to adapt to hegemonic practices to become visible. Her political writings, including “Carácter femenino en Chile,” “Organización de las mujeres,” and “Voto femenino,” advocate for a visibility that recognizes and values differences among women, promoting collective organization that challenges existing power structures. The article discusses how Mistral anticipates contemporary debates on intersectionality and visibility, noting that symbolic inclusion without profound structural changes is insufficient to achieve social justice. Current examples are explored to demonstrate the relevance of her ideas, such as the participation of indigenous women in feminist movements and the visibility of transgender individuals in Latin America, highlighting how marginality is frequently absorbed by hegemonic narratives. In conclusion, Gabriela Mistral's work provides a valuable theoretical framework for understanding and critiquing the power dynamics that perpetuate marginality. Her insistence on intersectional visibility and the transformation of hegemonic structures is essential for contemporary political struggles. The article underscores the need to promote structural change that enables significant transformation in power dynamics, fostering equity and social justice from and for marginalized spaces.