A case-study of modes of social control under military dictatorship in an argentinean town: Santa Fe, 1976-1981

Abstract

The study of social control at the time of State terrorism has generated wide interest in Recent History. On the other hand, urban and architectural studies have focused on the modifi cations of Argentinean cities under the military dictatorship (1976-1983). However, none of those have examined the urban policies as producers of a new order in the town. Consequently, this research aims to combine those traditions in order to recognise the modifications introduced in Santa Fe and the urban policies adopted by the local government. Furthermore, it analyses the meanings attached to public space. In order to achieve these, the procedure included reading the literature on the subjects and the primary sources (local government documents, the newspaper and studies from architecture and urbanism).

Moreover, a photographic record and several interviews were produced. Preliminary results indicate that the regime did not alter the town’s distribution but cared about its development and order, in accordance with public opinion. This is interpreted as a way of keeping control of the city by producing a new order in it, as well as preserving the dictatorial domination.