Narrative journalism, migration and gender: non-fiction literature as a tool for social denunciation. Comparative study of Residence Permit and Visceral, by Maria Fernanda Ampuero

Abstract

This article delves into the works of Ecuadorian author María Fernanda Ampuero, focusing on her books, Permiso de residencia (2013) and Visceral (2024). The main objective is to conduct a comparative study, analyzing the evolution of her methodology and the thematic coherence across her writing. The study centers on how Ampuero addresses the migrant experience through hybrid literary genres like the chronicle and the autobiographical essay. It also explores her use of a gender perspective as a key analytical tool. The research examines recurring themes such as the construction of migrant identity, the denunciation of xenophobia, patriarchal violence, and neocolonialism. It also highlights the differences in her narrative approaches and linguistic styles, noting the maturity and intensification of her discourse in her more recent work. The methodology is based on an interpretative and hermeneutic reading, which allows for a deeper understanding of the layers of meaning. The study draws on theoretical frameworks concerning the chronicle as a tool for social denunciation and historical memory, and applies concepts from feminist and intersectional theory. This research demonstrates Ampuero’s commitment to making the experiences of vulnerable groups, especially women, visible by giving a voice to the oppressions they face. It concludes that Ampuero's work is a crucial point of reference for Latin American narrative journalism. Her writing offers a profound, critical, and empathetic perspective on contemporary sociopolitical issues, cementing her as an essential voice for understanding the complexities of migration and systemic oppression from a feminist viewpoint.