Health and Society

Demonstrations, occupations or roadblocks? Exploring the determinants of protest tactics in Chile

By Rodrigo M. Medel and Nicolás M. Somma
February 7, 2017

One of the issues that have stirred up considerable interest in the literature about social movements in recent years is the one regarding the tactics of collective protest. When a group of people decides to publicly express its dissatisfaction with the authorities, why does it sometimes use peaceful and conventional tactics, such as an organized demonstration in a plaza; and other times violent and rowdy ways, for example destroying public or private property? Why are tactics with a high symbolic content, such as a theater performance ridiculing a hated politician, sometimes used?

Brazil's Recent Prison Violence: A Breakdown

By Erin Barton
January 20, 2017

Over 140 prisoners have been killed in 6 different prison riots in Brazil during the last 4 months. This is not the first time that violence has called attention to the deplorable conditions of Brazil’s prisons on a global scale. While this particular wave of riots has its root in a recent fallout between two drug gangs, they are indications of far deeper structural problems within Brazil’s prison system itself, which have been present for decades.

Chinatown in Peru? A Brief Look of the Chinese Diaspora in Latin America

By Emily Hwang
December 2, 2016

Latin America may be the last place you would expect to see someone who is Chinese. Yet surprisingly, scattered around Latin America, there are many pockets of Chinese immigrants, many of whom consider these nations home. In the areas where there are large Chinese populations, you may even find a Chinatown or un barrio chino.

Costa Rica's Legal Battle with Sex Tourism

By Katherine Andrews
January 5, 2017

In November 2016, David Strecker, also known as “Cuba Dave”, became the first person convicted under Costa Rica’s 2012 law prohibiting the promotion of sex tourism. Strecker is famous for his videos, Facebook page and website giving tips to men seeking prostitutes in Costa Rica and other Central American nations.

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