Biopower and Department of Physical Culture (National University of La Plata, 1929-1946)

Abstract

The actions of the Department of Physical Culture of the National University of La Plata (Buenos Aires, Argentina) are analyzed, from its creation in 1929 until its dissolution in 1946, based on the concept of biopower of Michel Foucault. This institution was in charge of the government of the children and youth bodies of the aforementioned house of studies, Physical Education for the students of the primary school "Joaquín V. González" and the National School, and for the students of the School Secondary Ladies. Elements that refer both to disciplines and to biopolitics are identified, while reference is made to the element that is at the intersection of these two power technologies: sexuality. A case study is then carried out within the framework of a qualitative methodology, and the analysis of documents is used as a research technique.