Presentación del libro: Mujeres Mayores: Una perspectiva histórica

Welcome to the Presentation of "Mujeres Mayores"

Introduction and Acknowledgments

• The event is hosted at the National School of Social Work, UNAM, welcoming both in-person attendees and online viewers.

• The presentation is organized by the Center for Research and Studies in Gerontological Social Work, focusing on the book "Mujeres Mayores: Una Perspectiva Histórica."

• Gratitude is expressed towards university authorities, faculty, students, older adults, and all interested parties for their participation.

Key Speakers Introduced

• Carmen Casarratia, director of the National School of Social Work, is introduced as a key speaker.

• Elizabeth Martínez Sánchez and Aida Díaz Tendero are acknowledged; Díaz Tendero is noted as a researcher from Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

• Graciela Casas Torres is recognized for her role in coordinating the book alongside Guadalupe Gómez Aguado.

Institutional Welcome Message

Director's Opening Remarks

• Carmen Casarratia welcomes everyone warmly to the academic space at UNAM.

• She emphasizes the importance of this work for understanding aging through historical perspectives.

Importance of Women's Contributions

• The book highlights women's contributions and challenges faced throughout their lives.

• It aims to promote a society free from discrimination while recognizing older women's rights.

Significance of Older Women in Society

Historical Context and Recognition

• Discusses how older women have significantly impacted families and communities despite often being overlooked.

• Emphasizes that acknowledging these contributions enriches academic debate and societal respect for dignity.

Call to Action for Engagement

Encouragement for Dialogue

• Thanks are given to contributors who enriched this project with their research efforts.

• The director hopes this event fosters idea exchange and encourages reading the open-access publication.

Coordinator's Remarks on Collaboration

Acknowledgment of Team Efforts

• Aida Díaz-Tendero expresses gratitude towards collaborators who made this work possible despite challenges faced during its creation.

Structure of the Book

• The book consists of three parts; details will be shared by a moderator later.

Recognition of Institutional Support

Value of University Resources

• Highlights UNAM’s unique support for research projects compared to other institutions globally.

The Significance of Aging in the 21st Century

Overview of Aging Perspectives

• The topic of aging is recognized as one of the major themes of the 21st century, being explored from various perspectives.

• The coordinators aimed for active participation, with each bringing unique expertise: history and social work, leading to a collaborative approach.

Novel Contributions to Aging Discourse

• The resulting book presents innovative insights into aging, differing significantly from traditional public policy discussions and sociological studies on aging.

• Its value has only been fully appreciated post-publication, highlighting contributions from various authors that enrich the discourse on aging.

Open Access and Collaborative Efforts

Acknowledgments and Accessibility

• The book is available through open access thanks to UNAM's generosity, allowing broader reach and engagement with its content.

Importance of Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Graciela Casas Torres emphasizes her passion for studying older women, noting her dual role as both subject and object in this research area.

• She reflects on how her experiences enhance her professional development and teaching efforts regarding older women's issues.

Historical Context and Recognition

Evolving Perspectives on Older Women

• There has been a historical lack of focus on older women in academic discourse; however, this gap is now being addressed more thoroughly.

Value of Institutional Support

• Casas highlights the importance of university support for interdisciplinary collaboration, which fosters creativity and shared projects among colleagues.

Transitioning to Discussion Panels

Introduction to Commentators

• Following initial remarks, the event transitions to a panel discussion featuring key commentators who will provide insights into the book's themes.

Engaging Broader Audiences

• Francisco Calzada Lemus acknowledges virtual attendees interested in topics related to aging while emphasizing the significance of presenting such an important work.

Empowering Voices Through Literature

Highlighting Women's Experiences

• The book aims to give voice to older women seeking equality and fighting against discrimination by sharing their struggles and achievements.

Raising Awareness

• It addresses previously overlooked narratives about women's rights movements, showcasing their contributions towards societal awareness regarding equality.

This structured markdown file captures essential insights from the transcript while providing clear timestamps for easy reference.

Introduction to María Marta Pardo García

Background and Expertise

• María Marta Pardo García is introduced as a clinical psychologist and family therapist, emphasizing her commitment to caregivers and the elderly in vulnerable contexts.

• She specializes in adult emotional development with extensive experience in both public and private health sectors across Mexico and the United States.

• Her teaching roles include positions at various universities, contributing significantly to academic discourse on family therapy.

• Pardo García has been involved in developing a master's program in family therapy, earning recognition for her contributions to psychology.

• She authored books focused on aging successfully and maximizing potential during adulthood, integrating clinical practice with research.

Opening Remarks by María Valle

Initial Thoughts on the Book

• María Valle begins discussing the third part of the book, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share insights.

• She poses a reflective question about historical perceptions of older women: "How often have decisions about older women been made without their input?"

Historical Context of Older Women

Societal Perceptions

• Valle highlights that throughout history, older women's identities have often been defined externally by various cultural narratives and power structures.

• Different eras utilized diverse instruments—myths, literature, statistics—to classify or marginalize older women consistently.

Acknowledgment of Contributors

Recognition of Collaborative Efforts

• Valle acknowledges the coordinators Aida Díaz Tendero, Guadalupe López Aguado, and Graciela Casas Torres for their efforts in assembling this collective work across multiple disciplines.

Importance of Studying Older Women

Demographic Significance

• The demographic shift indicates that Latin America is aging rapidly; older women are becoming increasingly significant within families and communities.

• Historical records often reveal absences or stereotypes regarding older women rather than authentic representations.

Central Themes from Essays

Key Insights from Collective Work

• One major theme is the narrative management surrounding women's centrality; older women were never dispensable despite societal attempts to render them invisible.

• In pre-Hispanic Mexico, older women held vital familial roles; their status transformed post-menopause into sacred figures within rituals.

Representations of Older Women in Historical Context

Pre-Hispanic and Colonial Mexico

• Cruz Cortés illustrates that pre-Hispanic representations of older women involved a form of sacralization, confining them to powerful yet strictly defined roles.

• In the colonial period, Fernández Flores notes that older women's visibility diminished, as their experiences were not represented in art due to aesthetic norms.

Inquisition and 19th Century Perspectives

• During inquisitorial processes, older women with knowledge were labeled as witches, facing triple stigmatization: as women, elderly, and marginalized (Grazales Valdespino).

• The 19th century saw a shift towards sarcasm in representation; Otero highlights how statistics reduced older women to indicators of poverty or dependency.

Visibility vs. Power Dynamics

• There exists a tension between the visibility of older women and cultural efforts to contain or redirect their power within specific contexts.

• Curanderas (healers), who possessed essential health knowledge across social classes, became dangerous figures when they threatened emerging societal orders.

Artistic Representations and Their Implications

Symbolic Containment

• Cruz Cortés shows that even in pre-Hispanic times, symbolic investiture for elder women served as a means of containment despite granting them some power.

• Silva Lomelí's analysis reveals that 20th-century literature portrays female protagonists closer to real autonomy but requires careful narrative management.

Contemporary Visibility Issues

• Today’s demographic visibility of older women coexists with cultural invisibility in labor and politics.

• Often relegated to secondary characters in narratives constructed by others, their historical significance remains underrepresented.

The Role of Caregiving Throughout History

Historical Functions of Older Women

• Cruz Cortés describes pre-Hispanic elder women as central family organizers who initiated young girls into rituals and preserved knowledge transmission.

• Fernández Flores points out the minimal representation of older women in colonial art contrasts with their significant yet invisible roles in domestic life.

Sustaining Community Life

• Gómez Aguado documents how even impoverished 19th-century older women played crucial roles in sustaining daily life for others.

Continuity of Caregiving Roles

Defining Identity Through Caregiving

• In 20th-century literature analyzed by Silva Lomelí, female characters are often defined by their caregiving roles—mothers or caregivers—indicating a persistent expectation tied to age.

Structural Inequities Persisting Over Time

• Historical representations managed the centrality of elder women without fully recognizing their contributions; contemporary portrayals continue this trend.

Recognition and Autonomy Challenges

Unrecognized Labor Contributions

• There is an ongoing issue where the work done by older women is utilized without acknowledgment or fair compensation for their contributions.

Need for Authentic Voices

• Otero emphasizes understanding the experiential dimension of aging; it’s vital to listen to older women's self-perceptions regarding relationships and material conditions.

Concluding Thoughts on Representation

Control Over Centrality

• A recurring theme is that elder women's centrality has been permitted only when it can be controlled; otherwise, they face erasure or stigmatization.

Cultural Reflections on Aging

• The sacred elder could perform rituals within assigned spaces while curanderas faced restrictions on autonomy.

Modern-Day Parallels

• Today's narratives celebrate loving grandmothers but often ignore demands for recognition or rights related to caregiving work.

Importance of This Discourse

• This book sheds light on mechanisms still at play today regarding how society views aging women's contributions while advocating for greater recognition.

Call for Empowerment

• Emphasizing the need for older women's voices to be heard authentically reflects a long-overdue demand for agency over personal narratives.

Presentation of "Mujeres Mayores, una perspectiva histórica"

Introduction and Acknowledgments

• The speaker expresses gratitude to Aida for the invitation to present the book "Mujeres Mayores" and shares emotional ties to ANAM as their alma mater.

• Thanks are extended to the authors Aida Díaz Tendero, Guadalupe Gómez Aguado, and Graciela Casas Torres for coordinating a work that broadens perspectives on older women.

Focus on Historical Context

• The speaker emphasizes focusing on the second part of the book titled "Mujeres Mayores, Memoria, Biografía y Transmisión Oral," which resonates with their clinical psychology work.

• It is highlighted that individuals come with personal histories shaped by various factors such as culture, family, and social class.

Understanding Individual Narratives

• The importance of empathy in therapy is stressed; therapists must understand clients' backgrounds rather than expecting them to understand the therapist's perspective.

• Listening to older women involves acknowledging their entire life journey—childhood experiences, societal norms they faced, and roles they played throughout life.

Importance of Historical Perspective

• The speaker warns against judging lives based solely on contemporary standards without understanding historical contexts.

• Recognizing that older women's lives cannot be understood outside their specific timeframes and circumstances is crucial.

Structure of the Book's Second Part

Chapters Overview

• The second part consists of three chapters that engage deeply with one another:

• Carmen Dávila Labardini’s life story by Rubén Ruiz Guerra,

• Aida Díaz Tendero’s chapter titled "Mis 100 años,"

• Mónica Ramos Toro’s exploration of oral histories among older women.

Significance of Oral History

• Emphasis is placed on oral storytelling as many older women find it easier to share experiences verbally rather than through writing.

• Listening transforms our understanding; when older women recount their lives, they organize memories and impart meaning beyond mere recollections.

Clinical Observations

Valuing Personal Histories

• In clinical practice, many women struggle with self-worth; listening to their stories helps affirm their value and can lead to renewed purpose in life.

Case Study: Carmen Dávila Labardini

• Carmen's narrative illustrates a life dedicated to service; born in 1909 and active until her passing in 2007 amidst significant societal changes for women.

Themes from Carmen's Life

• Her story reflects resilience amid religious tensions and limited opportunities for women during her lifetime.

• Serving others was central to her identity—not merely an act but a profound sense of purpose tied closely with faith.

Transforming Identity in Later Life

Questions of Purpose

• Older women often grapple with identity after caregiving roles diminish; discovering new purposes becomes essential for mental well-being.

Personal Anecdote: Family Influence

• The speaker shares a personal story about an aunt who overcame physical limitations through service—a testament to finding strength despite challenges.

Reflections on Anonymity

Chapter Insights: Mis 100 años

• This chapter focuses on an unnamed centenarian from San Sebastián whose anonymity highlights the significance of ordinary lives not recognized publicly.

La Vida de una Mujer a Través de la Historia

Contexto Histórico y Personal

• La protagonista vive eventos históricos significativos como la guerra civil española, el exilio infantil en Francia, el franquismo, y la transición demográfica.

• Aida organiza la vida de la protagonista no desde la historia oficial, sino desde los momentos que ella misma considera decisivos, resaltando la importancia del significado personal sobre la cronología.

Experiencias Infancia y Confianza

• Se narra el miedo y desasosiego de una niña enviada a Francia durante la guerra civil; su experiencia incluye tanto separación familiar como acogida.

• La niña desarrolla un fuerte apego a su familia adoptiva, lo que resalta cómo las experiencias tempranas influyen en su capacidad para confiar y adaptarse.

Contradicciones Humanas

• En su vida adulta durante el franquismo, la protagonista reconoce vivir en un contexto autoritario pero también encuentra felicidad familiar.

• Esta aparente contradicción es común; muchas personas pueden experimentar sufrimiento y felicidad simultáneamente.

Duelo y Pérdidas

• Un momento clave es la muerte de su hija joven por cáncer; ella expresa sentirse "vencida por la vida", reflejando pérdidas profundas que nunca se superan completamente.

• El duelo por un hijo afecta profundamente a la identidad personal, transformando cómo se percibe el pasado y el futuro.

Reflexiones sobre Significado Vital

• El capítulo aborda temas de duelo, maternidad y supervivencia emocional; enfatiza que cada vida tiene valor independientemente del significado percibido.

• Es crucial reflexionar sobre qué hacer con los años restantes cuando uno siente que su vida carece de significado.

La Importancia de las Voces Invisibles

Historia Oral como Herramienta

• El tercer capítulo amplía el enfoque hacia historias orales que recuperan voces invisibilizadas; destaca cómo muchas mujeres han vivido sus historias en silencio.

• La historia oral rescata experiencias no documentadas oficialmente, subrayando su relevancia frente a relatos dominantes centrados en grandes acontecimientos.

Replanteamiento Historial

• Se argumenta que las acciones cotidianas también son parte importante de la historia; cuidar o migrar son actos significativos dentro del tejido social.

• Se propone construir una nueva narrativa histórica desde abajo, escuchando a quienes han sido excluidos de relatos tradicionales.

Reconocimiento del Valor Personal

• Muchas mujeres mayores sienten que sus historias no importan; sin embargo, al compartirlas revelan aspectos fundamentales de su identidad.

• Escuchar estas narrativas es un acto esencial para reconocer el valor individual y colectivo de sus vidas.

Memoria Colectiva e Individual

• Los tres capítulos representan diferentes formas de memoria: servicio comunitario (Carmen Dávila), biografía personal (la protagonista), e historias colectivas (mujeres invisibilizadas).

Preguntas Clave para Comprender Vidas Mayores

• Para entender verdaderamente a una mujer mayor es vital preguntar sobre su contexto vital: elecciones realizadas o no realizadas, pérdidas sufridas y lo que aún necesita expresar.

Reflections on Female Aging

The Perspective of Aging Women

• The perception of female aging often focuses on loss—loss of youth, beauty, strength, productivity, and autonomy.

• This book encourages viewing older women as individuals who have gained depth through life experiences rather than merely losing years.

Importance of Listening to Older Women

• Listening to older women serves as a means to repair societal silences and prejudices about their roles and histories.

• Acknowledgment from families, society, and government is essential for empowering older adults to recognize their value and capabilities.

Contributions of Historical Narratives

• The narratives shared in this work are crucial for constructing historical processes when there is a lack of evidence or records.

• These testimonies invoke the memory of the past while emphasizing its relevance in the present.

Insights from María Vallarta

Knowledge Situated in Feminism

• María Vallarta introduces the concept of "situated knowledge," emphasizing its significance within feminist discourse.

• Her goal is not to summarize the book but to inspire enthusiasm for reading it.

Personal Experiences as Political Statements

• Vallarta highlights that personal experiences such as motherhood, memory, sexuality, care, and aging are intertwined with political power dynamics.

Addressing Invisibility Among Older Women

• The term "older" can vary culturally; discussions around age often reflect societal perceptions that contribute to invisibility among older women.

• There’s a notable concern regarding how older women become invisible in male-dominated spaces.

Historical Context: Mothers of Plaza de Mayo

Legacy and Impact

• Vallarta references the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo as pivotal figures whose stories reveal significant historical insights into activism during politically turbulent times.

Emotional Resonance

• A poignant quote from these mothers emphasizes their desire for understanding their struggle rather than pitying their pain.

Courageous Activism

• Despite facing immense personal loss during Argentina's political turmoil, these women chose activism over silence. Their courage exemplifies resilience against oppressive regimes.

This structured summary captures key themes discussed in the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

The Role of Mothers in Social Justice Movements

Historical Context of Repression

• Discussion on the severe repression, torture, and disappearances during a totalitarian regime, highlighting the horrific "death flights" where individuals were thrown from planes.

• Mention of the societal perception of women primarily as mothers, with some also having professional identities beyond motherhood.

The Power of Maternal Love

• Emphasis on how these mothers utilized their perceived invisibility to enact significant social change.

• Recognition that this issue is not just historical but ongoing; it continues to affect current generations.

Activism and Legal Contributions

• Noting that while both mothers and fathers are involved in activism, it is predominantly mothers who lead the search for missing children.

• Highlighting that love motivates these women to protest for their disappeared children, which is often seen as a powerful driving force.

Legal Terminology and Impact

• Introduction of legal terms such as forced disappearance and the right to truth, identity, and reparations brought forth by these mothers.

• Mention of scientific contributions made by these activists, including efforts to use mitochondrial DNA to identify lost grandchildren.

Ongoing Search for Identity

• Acknowledgment that many grandchildren remain unidentified despite advances in science; however, the search continues vigorously led by these mothers.

• Transitioning from viewing older women merely as caregivers to recognizing them as political subjects actively seeking justice.

Perspectives from Argentina

• Insights into chapters focusing on Argentina's experiences with similar issues from various perspectives through interviews with affected women.

• Exploration of motivations behind women's activism and their willingness to confront risks associated with public protests.

Personal Reflections on Feminism

• Discussion about how motherhood has shifted from private domestic roles into public political spaces.

• Personal anecdote shared about witnessing women's empowerment during a march for abortion rights in Mexico City.

Generational Shifts in Feminism

• Reflection on generational differences regarding feminism among women interviewed; many discovered feminist ideals outside formal education systems.

• Assertion that older women today embody political power rather than being seen solely as caretakers or impediments.

Conclusion: Evolving Identities

• Recognition that contemporary older women are shaped by feminist movements and have complex experiences filled with contradictions.

Reflections on Women's Roles and Societal Expectations

The Burden of Expectations

• Women are often told to balance work, education, and parenting alone, facing societal judgment for their choices in partners.

• There is a desire among women to pursue both motherhood and professional careers without sacrificing one for the other.

Challenges Faced by Women

• The speaker reflects on the difficulties faced by women in achieving this balance, questioning why it has been so challenging.

• Society remains unprepared for women's dual roles; persistent prejudices and gender roles continue to affect both men and women.

Personal Responsibility and Gender Roles

• The speaker discusses taking sole responsibility for raising daughters due to circumstances, highlighting the internalization of gender roles.

• A call is made to reflect on how past feminists from the 60s and 70s paved the way for current generations.

Legacy of Feminism

• Current generations stand on the shoulders of "giants," acknowledging the sacrifices made by earlier feminists who fought for freedom.

• Recognition is given to evolving public policies that now acknowledge caregiving as essential work within society.

Importance of Caregiving

• Caregiving is deemed indispensable; society cannot function without support networks that provide care.

• There’s an emerging conversation about sharing caregiving responsibilities rather than placing them solely on women.

Aging Population: Perspectives and Responsibilities

Changing Demographics

• Discussion around aging populations highlights a shift in gender ratios among older adults, with more women living longer than men.

• Historical data shows a significant increase in the number of older women compared to men over time.

Community Support Among Women

• Many women envision creating supportive communities as they age, emphasizing mutual care among themselves.

• Acknowledgment that while some men may pass away earlier, many have already left before old age sets in.

Embracing Aging Positively

• Aging should not be viewed with fear; instead, it can be seen as a natural process filled with opportunities for community building.

Quality of Life in Old Age

Ensuring Well-being

• Quality of life must include material security alongside emotional support networks that value older women's contributions.

Valuing Older Women's Experiences

• The importance of listening to older women's stories and experiences is emphasized as vital knowledge that should not be overlooked.

Political Agency of Older Women

Redefining Narratives

• Older women are recognized not just as caregivers but also as political subjects whose histories contribute significantly to societal narratives.

Conclusion: Acknowledging Contributions

• Thanks are extended towards contributors who highlight these themes within social work education, reinforcing the historical role of older revolutionary women in shaping social justice movements.

Open Forum for Audience Questions

Invitation for Comments and Questions

• The speaker invites the audience to share comments or questions regarding the work presented, emphasizing a brief opportunity for interaction.

• Acknowledgment is given to Marta, Yolanda, and María for their contributions, highlighting the familiarity established through prior readings.

Enrichment Through Discussion

Impact of Shared Insights

• The speaker expresses gratitude for the enriching comments received from others, which have deepened their understanding of the material discussed.

• Reflecting on past experiences, they mention how reading transforms individuals into co-authors of the texts they engage with.

Rethinking Perspectives on Literature

New Interpretations

• The speaker discusses how listening to different perspectives allows for a renewed understanding of familiar works, enhancing appreciation beyond initial readings.

• They emphasize that this process creates a new "weaving" of ideas and interpretations among participants.

Personal Reflections on Contributions

Introduction by Carolina Grajales

• Carolina Grajales introduces herself and her contribution about witches in the context of feminism, expressing gratitude for being part of the project.

• She shares her personal journey into feminism through domestic work and highlights ongoing themes in her writing related to Marxism and invisible labor within capitalism.

Significance of Gender Studies in Aging

Revolutionary Connections

• The discussion highlights how seamlessly gender studies are integrated with aging studies during this event, contrasting it with European contexts where such connections are often overlooked.

• This integration is described as groundbreaking and significant within academic discourse surrounding older women’s issues.

Acknowledging Contributions

Recognition of Efforts

• The speaker acknowledges that today's discussions represent a milestone in literature concerning gender and aging while also referencing previous publications that contribute to this dialogue.

Availability and Accessibility

Book Distribution Information

• An announcement is made regarding the availability of downloadable content related to women's studies; attendees are encouraged to access it online easily.

Closing Remarks

Gratitude Towards Participants

• Final thanks are extended to all participants involved in presenting insights during the event; recognition is given specifically to those who contributed as commentators throughout discussions.