Social Control

Abstract

The fundamental distinction between the twentieth century and preceding ones in the history of Latin America has been the growth of the popular masses in size, in importance, and as a potential threat to the status quo. National populations have expanded spectacularly, communications networks from roads to radio waves have begun to crisscross nations, bringing new awareness to formerly isolated peoples. Huge numbers of men, women, and children have streamed into Latin American cities, which in turn have become ringed with squatter settlements that have arisen to house the new arrivals.