Meaning processes in related “pasta base” consumption practices. Tales of “Gárgolas” and “Latas”

Abstract

This paper collects conclusions and reflections from a research held in Montevideo (Uruguay) between 2007 and 2009, about several narrations associated with the use of pasta Base.  This name seems to refer to a substance that not necessary is coincident with the cocaine paste. The compilation sought to meet the semiotization strategies building that make these practices intelligible for the studied population. In order to do that, conceptual categories coming from the theoretic tool box usually identified with the post-structuralism were used. In the first section, an approach to the topic is proposed within the territory studied, as well as the political representation that has been acquired. In the second section, an historical contextualization of the operative moment is proposed, directly related with the third section in which, an approach to the problem is proposed. In the fourth section, an orientation to the narrations is sought. Finally, reflections are set as fifth section.