Social insertion (Spanish: inserción social) is one of the two main forms of anarchistactivism championed by the FARJ (Federação Anarquista do Rio de Janeiro) and other South American anarchist organizations, the other being especifismo. Both principles are based on traditional trends within anarchism. While social insertion is described as being rooted in Mikhail Bakunin's insistence on social activism, especifismo is considered to be based on Errico Malatesta’s focus on anarchist-specific organization.[1][2]
With the break between anarchism and labor movements in South America in the 1920s, anarchism there lost a connection with social movements. The goal of social insertion is to re-ignite this trend, described as the “social vector” of anarchism.[1]
Some have been suspicious of the term, associating it with entryism as practiced by the old authoritarian left movements. However, proponents of social insertion insist that entryism is essentially using involvement as a Trojan horse for purposes of promotion whereas social insertion is focused on genuine improvement in communities.[1][3] Social insertion consists simply of building a base for anarchist ideas through involvement at rank and file level over time in workplace and community organizations and struggles.
“
There are several anarchist groups and organizations that have been seeking to expand their social insertion for several years and a fair amount of experience has been accumulated over recent years, from the homeless movement to the students' movement, from the inner-city neighborhoods to union work, in the fights against the FTAA and free trade areas, anarchists have been present.”
