The unfolding events surrounding the 2016 gang rape case referred to as “La Manada,” or The Wolf Pack, have sparked significant social mobilization, drawing extensive media attention and subsequently contributing to substantial legal reforms within Spain. Samara Velte, a prominent researcher from the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), has meticulously examined the media discourses surrounding this high-profile sexual assault. Initially, Velte approached the case from a journalistic perspective as a reporter for Berria, a newspaper in the Basque Country, but her analysis evolved into a scholarly study focused on discourse analysis and its implications for understanding societal conflicts.
La Manada case has become a focal point for discussions on sexual violence, societal norms, and the political landscape regarding gender issues in Spain. Through her research, Velte contends that analyzing discursive materials surrounding the case provides valuable insights into the construction of social meanings and identities. In her view, discursive analysis serves as a critical tool for unravelling the complex interplay of power, social movements, and identity formation, particularly in the context of feminist advocacy against violence.
To grasp the breadth of societal impact following the event, Velte conducted a thorough examination of 110 media pieces released at crucial junctures: just after the assault in July 2016, during the trial phase in November 2017, when the verdict was publicized in April 2018, and following the enactment of the ‘Only “yes” means “yes” law’ in April 2023. This multifaceted timeline allowed her to dissect the evolution of narratives surrounding sexual violence in Spain, providing a granular perspective on how public discourse can shape social identities.
The aftermath of the assault saw a surge of discourse wherein various interpretations and definitions of sexual violence were contested and negotiated. Specifically, pro-feminist messages began to proliferate in public and media discourses, redefining societal understanding of what constitutes rape and sexual assault. This deliberate contestation of narratives marked a significant turning point, where mass protests emerged as a textbook example of how social identities are dynamically constructed and articulated within society.
Furthermore, Velte’s study highlights the discordancy between opposing parties, showcasing how the narratives disseminated during the trial sought to undermine the feminist movement’s credibility. In stark contrast, these attempts resulted in empowering collective identities among women and their allies. The protests that followed were not mere reactions; instead, they represented an assertion of resilience, transforming traumatic experiences into collective strength. Velte emphasizes that the history of violence against women, particularly in regions like Pamplona, played an instrumental role in galvanizing these mobilizations.
The discourse surrounding the La Manada case was not confined to the immediate circumstances of the assault; it was deeply enmeshed in the broader narrative of social memory regarding gendered violence. Analyzing the interplay between contemporary events and historical experiences, Velte posits that the feminist mobilization was rooted in a long-standing struggle against sexual violence. The protests encapsulated the cumulative trauma endured by women and asserted that the collective voice could no longer be silenced.
When discussing the subsequent legal ramifications of the case, particularly the introduction of the ‘Only “yes” means “yes” law,’ Velte underscores the transformation this moment signified within Spanish society. The law was not only a legislative measure; it was a recognition of the feminist movement’s demands achieving resonance in domains previously deemed impenetrable, such as legal and institutional frameworks. Velte identified how increased visibility for feminist ideologies in political discourses culminated in a landmark piece of legislation, though not without its challenges.
Despite these advancements, Velte warns that social conflicts remain an ongoing reality, characterized by contention and negotiation between competing interests. The enactment of the ‘Only “yes” means “yes”’ law faced significant backlash, underscoring the persistence of entrenched views regarding sexual violence. This counter-reaction revealed that while progress has been made, the struggle for women’s rights and the recognition of their experiences is continually contested. Velte’s work illuminates the necessity for ongoing critique and engagement with dominant discourses surrounding gender-based violence.
Moreover, Velte’s research serves as a poignant reminder that the path towards achieving genuine change involves understanding the historical context in which these discourses arise. The recognition that social memories inform current narratives encourages ongoing dialogue about the rights of women and the categorization of sexual violence within legal frameworks. Velte emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and grappling with the past to shape a more equitable future.
As the analysis of La Manada continues to resonate within academic and public domains, it becomes evident that the implications of such research extend beyond the case itself. The examination of media representations and the evolution of social discourses offers valuable lessons for activists, scholars, and policymakers alike. The impetus for change rests not only on legal adjustments but also on redefining societal values concerning consent, sexual violence, and the acknowledgment of women’s lived experiences.
In conclusion, Samara Velte’s research into the La Manada case encapsulates the intricate relationship between media discourse, social identity, and legislative reform, revealing both the progress made and the challenges that lie ahead. Her work serves as a testament to the power of discourse analysis in navigating social conflicts, advocating for gender equality, and understanding the dynamics of societal change. As the conversations surrounding these topics continue to evolve, the insights drawn from such analyses will undoubtedly remain pivotal in shaping future dialogues and actions in the fight against sexual violence.
Subject of Research: Discourse analysis of the La Manada case and its societal implications
Article Title: The Social Memory of Sexual Violence: “You Touch One, You Touch Us All”
News Publication Date: 14-Oct-2024
Web References: University of the Basque Country Faculty of Social and Communication Sciences, NOR research team, Degree course in Audiovisual Communication, Degree course in Advertising and Public Relations
References: None listed
Image Credits: Samara Velte
Keywords: Discourse analysis, sexual violence, feminist movements, social identity, media representation, legal reform, social memory, La Manada, social conflict
