State corporatism is a political ideology where the government assumes control by organizing

diverse social groups into exclusive associations, asserting itself as the sole legitimate
representative for these groups. This approach serves as a means for the government to
centrally control and manage the varied interests within a society.

One notable example of a corporatist policy was the establishment of the "National Economic
and Social Council" (Consejo Económico y Social Nacional) in 1952, during Juan Perón's
presidency in Argentina . This council was a key component of Perón's corporatist model, which
aimed to bring together representatives from various sectors of society, including labor,
business, and government, to collaboratively address economic and social issues.

The National Economic and Social Council was designed to foster dialogue and cooperation
between different interest groups. It consisted of representatives from labor unions, employers'
associations, and the government, working together to formulate policies and address
economic challenges. This corporatist approach aimed to create a sense of unity and
collaboration among different social classes, promoting the idea of a harmonious national
community.

While the corporatist policies under Perón had the intention of promoting social harmony, they
also faced criticism for suppressing dissent and concentrating power in the hands of the
government.

1. Please read the following film descriptions and try to identify the way in which state
corporatist politics is represented in the films.

"Prisioneros de la tierra" (Prisoners of the Earth) received acclaim for its cinematography
capturing the tropical exuberance of Argentina. Stylistically, the film adopted documentarist
aesthetics, engaging with the social-problem genre popularized by Warner Bros. in the 1930s.
Thematically, it is linked to regionalist works by authors like Horacio Quiroga and José
Eustasio Rivera, emphasizing humankind's inability to escape the forces of the Misiones
region. The film portrays the character of Esteban as an exploited national resource in need of
state protection against the predatory practices of foreign capital.

What are the elements related to state corporatism in this film?:

“Apenas un Delincuente” (Hardly a Criminal). A bank employee utilizes a legal loophole to

conduct the perfect crime, planning to reap the rewards of his embezzlement following a six-
year prison sentence. The narrative revolves around a protagonist navigating a complex web
of political intrigue and societal challenges. As the government tightens its control, the main
character finds himself entangled in a struggle for justice and individual freedom.

What are the elements related to state corporatism in this film?:

“Que Dios se lo Pague” (God Bless You). Released in 1948, the movie revolves around the
character of Ana María Giunta, portrayed by Zully Moreno, a talented singer facing financial
struggles. Ana María's life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Raúl Figueroa, played by
Arturo de Córdova, a wealthy and generous man who falls in love with her. The film explores
themes of love, sacrifice, and social class dynamics. Ana María is torn between her feelings
for Raúl and her sense of duty to her family. The title, which translates to "May God Repay
You," reflects the gratitude expressed in the film for acts of kindness and generosity. The film
represents a timeless class struggle between the working poor and the idle rich, embodying
conflict as a moral rather than economic problem. Mario's double identity as a beggar and
capitalist ultimately results in a conciliation of labor and capital, emphasizing giving for the
common good over personal gain or revenge.

What are the elements related to state corporatism in this film?: