Cultural Transmission and the Madres de la Plaza de Mayo

Abstract

Scholars have studied how social movements shape cultural practices, but few have examined the impact of activists as cultural symbols. This paper examines the continued relevance of Argentina’s Madres de la Plaza de Mayo by analyzing fifteen years of newspaper coverage and referenced cultural objects. We found that depiction of the Madres varied depending on who created these objects. When Madres were producers, we found broadened claims. When they collaborated or approved, claims were more traditional. When Madres were not involved, sometimes they were parodied or commercialized. We argue that cultural transmission can help activists generate long-lasting social change.