What about women’s representation? : a case study of Bolivian horticulture markets in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the political representation of Bolivian women

Abstract: This master thesis explores the organization and representation of Bolivian communities in Argentina, as well as the social and political role of Bolivian women. Empirical evidence from a case study of Bolivian communities in two Bolivian horticulture markets outside Buenos Aires, Argentina, reveal how Bolivian women, even though responsible for the main tasks within the markets, are underrepresented in the markets’ political sphere. Through nuancing how Bolivian salespersons narrate their social positions in the Argentinean society, in relation to the state and the society at large, and why Bolivian women are underrepresented in leadership positions, this thesis offers a discussion of how discrimination often is enacted by structural positions that turn into but also constrain everyday actions and routines, at the same time as being discriminated can enhance a group’s potential to hoard opportunities.