MACMILLAN The Evolution of Popular Communication in Latin America (Palgrave Studies in Communication for Social Change)

This book brings together twelve contributions that trace the empirical-conceptual evolution of Popular Communication, associating it mainly with the context of inequalities in Latin America and with the creative and collective appropriation of communication and knowledge technologies as a strategy of resistance and hope for marginalized social groups. In this way, even while emphasizing the Latin American and even ancestral identity of this current of thought, this book positions it as an epistemology of the South capable of inspiring relevant reflections in an increasingly unequal and mediatized world. The volume’s contributors include both early-career and more established professionals and natives of seven countries in Latin America. Their contributions reflect on the epistemological roots of Popular Communication, and how those roots give rise to a research method, a pedagogy, and a practice, from decolonial perspectives. Review “From the Latin American and Caribbean Catholic Association of Communication (SIGNIS ALC), we thank the author Ana Cristina Suzina for including two chapters of our publications -A praise of dignity in educational practice (Daniel Prieto Castillo- Argentina) and Communication and Vivir Bien / Buen Vivir: In the Care of Our Common Home (Adalid Contreras Baspinero- Bolivia) - both originally included in the book Comunicación, Ciudadanía y Democracia, compilation of the 5th Latin American and Caribbean Communication Congress (COMLAC). We are sure that both approaches contribute to broadening the horizons of Latin American popular communication within the fields of pedagogical mediation of communication and the paradigm of Good Living, in tune with the objective of our organization to promote a transformative, participatory communication, humanizing and generating an active citizenship.” (Sonia Navas, Executive Secretary Signis ALC) “The Evolution of Popular Communication in Latin America presents the richness and breadth of Latin American communication research to the English speaking public. The book covers a great variety of empirical and theoretical aspects of popular communication in an accessible and pedagogical manner, which makes it an excellent entry point for international scholars and students willing to get acquainted with Latin American communication practice and research perspectives.” (Paola Sartoretto, Assistant Professor, Jönköping University, Sweden) “The Evolution of Popular Communication in Latin America is a timely and relevant book that makes a valuable contribution to the field of Communication and Media Studies. It offers an array of experiences anchored in historical, cultural, and social contexts that provide a sound discussion about Popular Communication. The chapters demonstrate how Popular Communication is both a theoretical and empirical approach to analyze inequalities, struggles and resistances from the perspective of those who are at the margins of society. They also explain the relation between Popular Communication, social struggles, communication for social change, communication rights and the mainstream media. The book fosters an academic dialogue with the Global South by focusing on a key concept and the analysis of it by Latin American scholars normally invisible to the mainstream academia which broadens the sources of knowledges from which we all should learn.” (Claudia Magallanes-Blanco, Professor, Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla, Mexico) “Popular communication is about communication processes in which cultures that are marginalised are allowed to express themselves and breathe. The concept, which has been key for work in media and development studies in Latin America, has been under explored in publications aimed at English speaking audiences. Therefore, this book is a breath of fresh air from the Global South at a time when people from many corners of the world are fighting colonial oppression. It   addresses the histo