Political unrest is a state of social and political turmoil that results in protests, strikes or other forms of collective action that can include violence. Often triggered by economic factors that undermine people’s quality of life or faith in their government, the root causes can be corruption, inequality and political repression.
The most significant factor contributing to political violence is relative deprivation. This is defined by Ted Robert Gurr, author of Why Men Rebel, as the gap between what a person believes they deserve and what they are capable of “getting and keeping.” It creates discontent that can be aggravated by the perception of social injustice.
As a result of political violence, there can be serious economic consequences. These can include a decline in foreign investment, high unemployment and a drop in the value of the national currency. This can lead to poverty and loss of food security for the entire population.
It is also important to note that the most common cause of political unrest in any country is lack of education and access to learning materials for all members of society. To prevent future outbreaks of civil unrest and violence, it is essential that all people, including the nation’s leaders, publicly condemn violations of the law and political intimidation and threats.
In Dragun’s play, el hombre que se convirtio en perro, the setting of Argentina’s volatile political climate in the 1950s serves as a critical backdrop for understanding characters’ experiences with political unrest. Through the use of absurdism, Dragun illuminates the irrationality that can often surround societal dysfunction and emphasizes resilience by encouraging audiences to find humor in their struggles while maintaining hope for change.