This paper argues that Sendero Luminoso´s ideologicla promotion of politicla violence is attractive to some disenfranchised individuals whose aspirations are unsatisfied by their achievements. However, it does not assert that achievement discrepancy alone has automatically translated into political violence. The presence of a relatively well organized revolutionary organization capable of channeling frustration into action has been a decisive ingredient in Peru´s insurgency. The combination of these elements has contributed significantly to the growth of armed subversion in Perú.

This work is novel because it goes beyond the prototypical analysis of political, economic and statistical factors. Sendero´s ideology will be theoretically and empirically evaluated through the movement´s proclamations, propaganda and behavior. The realtion between the Andean legacy of violence and Peru´s profound lack of equity will be linked to the ideological appeal of Sendero´s ultra-egalitarian communist ideology. Chapter one outlines Sendero Luminoso as a contemprary guerrilla movement. It then examinates the influence of Andean historical factors on the Peruvian revolutionary situation. Chapter two is a theoretical and historical evaluation of the insurgents as a revolutionary political party. Chapter three discusses the relation between incongruent aspirations and achievements with Sendero´s growth as a subversive organization.