In the first decades of the twentieth century, Buenos Aires underwent a profound transformation shaped by explosive urban growth, new political reforms, and the rise of dynamic civic associations. Football clubs, bibliotecas populares, sociedades de fomento, and universidades populares emerged as driving forces behind this evolution, turning neighbourhoods—or barrios—into vibrant hubs of activity and identity. These organisations were not just centres for social gathering; they became the backbone of the city’s civil society, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose among residents while connecting them to the rapidly changing political landscape.
Football clubs in Buenos Aires, such as those that would later become world-famous—like Boca Juniors and River Plate—served as much more than sporting institutions. They were epicentres of communal pride and political engagement, offering residents a space to forge collective identities rooted in the barrio. Alongside them, bibliotecas populares provided access to education, while sociedades de fomento advocated for community improvements and universidades populares opened new pathways for practical training. Together, these civic associations helped ordinary citizens claim a stake in the city’s future, solidifying a barrio identity that would define Buenos Aires for generations.
Historian Joel Horowitz’s "The Creation of Modern Buenos Aires" reveals how these associations became vital links in the city’s evolving political system, especially after the 1912 voting reform that expanded male suffrage and curbed electoral fraud. By bridging the gap between local communities and the broader political sphere, football clubs and civic organisations empower politicians to genuinely connect with their constituents. This book offers a compelling exploration of how sports, education, and grassroots activism shaped not only the culture of Buenos Aires but also its democracy, making it essential reading for anyone interested in soccer, Argentine history, or the intersection of community and politics.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48
Published: December 11, 2025
Publisher: Visit University of New Mexico Press
Price: £16.99
Paperback: 216 pages
ISBN-13: 9780826368874
Dimensions: 229 x 152 (mm)
