Breaking the Mold
Contesting Identities & Stereotypes in Argentine Soccer
Wednesday, March 5, 2014 · 4 - 5:30 PM
Rwany Sibaja, Professor of History, UMBC
Soccer is the national sport across much of Latin America. As such, it privileges specific gender norms while appealing to fans across class lines. This lecture examines soccer discourse in Argentina in the mid-twentieth century. It uncovers evolving ideas about gender norms and national identity that were central to larger debates over modernity. Soccer not only became an ideal venue to challenge social norms and propriety within the country, but it also allowed Argentines to challenge foreign stereotypes during international competitions.
Sponsored by the History Department. Co-sponsored by the Dresher Center for the Humanities.