Graduation Date
1979
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Other
Program
Art
Committee Chair Name
Dr. Dolores Poelzen
Committee Chair Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Dr. Larry Skelton
Keywords
Art
Abstract
The goal of this thesis is to review various theories of social structure and conduct an empirical analysis of the social structure of Chile. This will be done primarily through an examination of the roles and dynamics of the upper classes within Chile. My reasons for using the number of theories included within this thesis, finding some theories that do and some that do not fit the Chilean situation, will be for the purpose of shaping a total perception of the Chilean social structure. The analysis will end at V 1970.* Description and analysis of the upper classes will provide an understanding of class relations within Chilean society. In relation to the Chilean upper classes there are several points to be illustrated in this thesis. First, the basis of power in Chilean society has traditionally been held by the upper classes. Power was wielded by them for their own benefit. It will become increasingly obvious that historically Chile has been a highly stratified society in which the vast majority has been allowed little meaningful participation in the control of society. This lack of social integration on the part of the middle and lower classes was inherent to the structure as it existed. Second, Chilean social dynamics were the result of incorporation into the world economic system: first mercantilism, colonialism, then capitalism. The social, political, and economic situations and conditions in Chile are to be seen and understood through a long historical process of dependence and underdevelopment which has allowed the ruling upper classes to retain their position of hegemony relative to the masses. This, conversely, has prevented the possibility of national and independent development. *This time limitation is being used for several reasons, among them: a) the election in 1970 of Salvador Allende Gossens to the Presidency, representing a significant shift in ideological orientation in government; b) the military coup d'etat in 1973, resulting in the establishment of a military government; and, c) the lack of available objective information regarding the Chilean situation since the coup d'etat. vi Third, this incorporation into the world economic system has resulted in an asymmetric interdependency between the various social classes. While the upper classes realized a disproportionate share of the national wealth, the middle and, especially, the lower classes have existed in a peripheral, exploited role. This is a reflection of the metropolis-satellite phenomenon which occurs within nations. Finally, in order for Chile to progress from its current state of underdevelopment, it should generate its own program based on Chilean realities and without undue dependence on foreign models of development. The application of aspects of the various theories and models of development must be adapted to Chilean peculiarities. The thesis will be divided into four chapters. The first will be an historical description of the Chilean social, political, and economic structure. The second chapter will discuss and compare various theories of social structure and their applicability to the Chilean situation. Chapter III will present a review of selected Latin American theorists. Each will be individually discussed and analyzed insofar as their theories bear on this topic. Chapter IV will present my concluding remarks. The materials utilized in developing and completing this thesis include relevant theoretical, historical, consumer, and Latin American activist group publications as well as materials and information supplied by the Chilean Embassy in Washington, D.C., the UCLA Center for Latin American vii Studies, and the United States Senate Select Committee to Study Governmental Operations with Respect to Intelligence Activities, Frank Church, Chairman. I would like to thank those last three entities for the aid and cooperation which they have extended to me.
Recommended Citation
Burke, William R., "Chilean Realities: A Social Structural Analysis" (1979). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 2467.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/2467