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Between Institutionalisation and Militancy of Affection: A Journey Through Feminisms in Ecuador

Abstract:

This chapter approaches the trajectory of the Ecuadoran feminist movement on the basis of two concepts: idiosyncratic “structures of opportunity” structured by the presence of a variety of governmental bodies that share authority over the movement’s issues of interest and the “politics of affect”, focusing on a historical analysis of the importance of affect within the feminist movements in Ecuador. As in other countries around the world, the critique of romantic love, the defence of an ethics of care, the vindication of bodily experiences and the very idea of sorority show the ways affection runs through the history of feminisms up to the present day. Thus, we trace the course of feminisms from the first liberal feminists up to the ongoing struggles for the decriminalisation of abortion for rape. This chapter analyses the life stories of feminists who we consider have significant historical memory and life trajectory.