Debates in local feminism against the punitive turn. Outlines of a long-term resistance.

Abstract

This work aims, on the one hand, to outline some characteristics of the configuration of what sociologists, philosophers, and criminologists have named “punitive turn” (e.g., Garland, Larrauri, Wacquant) and how this turn has related to sexual panic and
neoconservatism elements of neoliberalism (Cohen, Pitch, Brown). On the other hand, we attempt to reflect on how these characteristics had permeate with idiosyncratic elements of the discourses and actions displayed by some parts of the local feminist movement faced with the feedback of notable cases (such as Nahir Galarza and Micaela García). Finally, we try to show that counter to such interlocked trends, there exists a resistance that draws attention to the ways in which this punitive reconfiguration of feminist claims has undermined the aims of the movement itself and has reinforced control, surveillance, and harassment devices as the flip side of the discourse of rights.