Our alum Alberto Monroy Trujillo: Studying how power works and making it visible

Politics inside communications, communications inside politics

Alberto Monroy Trujillo’s professional path so far has revolved mainly around two subject areas: journalism and politics. In his current work as a university lecturer at Complutense University of Madrid, he teaches courses such as political communication and communications ethics.

In addition to teaching, Alberto is completing his doctoral studies. His research focuses on the concept of manosphere, an umbrella term referring to a number of interconnected misogynistic communities and agendas. The concept is relatively new, as it was only coined in the 2010s. Alberto says that manosphere has recently gained more relevance with increased anti-feminist sentiments.

“I am deeply passionate about studying societal structures and the dynamics of power. Given the multitude of truths in today's world, there is a pressing need to reevaluate and transform the ways in which information is delivered. My primary interests lie in the interplay between politics and communications”, Alberto summarises.

I am deeply passionate about studying societal structures and the dynamics of power. Given the multitude of truths in today's world, there is a pressing need to reevaluate and transform the ways in which information is delivered. My primary interests lie in the interplay between politics and communications.

Alberto Monroy Trujillo, University lecturer and doctoral researcher, Complutense University of Madrid

Anything that touches the young population is important

In his dissertation, Alberto studies an incident that took place after Spain's victory in FIFA Women's World Cup final in August 2023. President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales kissed player Jennifer Hermoso, which triggered a revolt by the players and was widely commented on in newspapers and among the general public. It sparked a national debate about macho culture in sports.

“My dissertation studies the way that the incident was reported in the prominent Spanish ‘Marca’ newspaper, targeted at readers between 24 and 45 of age. In my view, anything that touches the young population is important.”

Alberto hopes that studies around such topics help politicians and public servants better understand that these phenomena are really happening. At best, his research could have transference to society as a whole – which is why he wants to maintain pragmatism alongside theory.

“Misogynous incidents are not isolated; they form a structured anti-feminist movement. Especially the radical right is building itself around the topic. It is also closely related to anti-immigration attitudes, which is another worrying aspect in society. I feel passionate about diversity in general,” Alberto says.

Tampere has mystical attraction

As part of his university studies, Alberto took an Erasmus exchange period in 2018 and came to Finland for his bachelor’s studies in journalism. The decision to do so was a combination of reason and emotion. In Spain, studying abroad is a highly regarded merit for a sought-after researchers’ long-term work contract, which Alberto also aimed at. When he looked at his options, Tampere suddenly started sparking unexpected emotions.

“A popular option for many Spaniards is to go to countries such as Italy or Portugal, but I felt that it would have been too similar to Spain. I started looking into Finland, looking at the map and imagining the nature and snow storms, and the idea started growing in me so much. After a while, I realised I only wanted to go to Tampere, and that’s the only option I finally applied for,” Alberto reminisces.

Alberto ended up staying in Finland for three years – before he was awarded the sought-after four-year work contract in Spain. In addition to his bachelor studies, Alberto completed his master’s degree at Tampere University, majoring in Leadership for change: European and Global Politics. 

In addition to his studies, he also enjoyed student activities in Finland and even served as a board member of ESN FINT, the local section of the Erasmus Student Network. The section organises events, services and activities for internationally minded students and interns in Tampere.

I really enjoyed the flexibility of the studies, the people I met and the stunning local nature with two vast lakes and forest close by. Even now, Tampere feels somehow mystical to me. 

Alberto Monroy Trujillo, University lecturer and doctoral researcher, Complutense University of Madrid

“I really enjoyed the flexibility of the studies, the people I met and the stunning local nature with two vast lakes and forest close by. Even now, Tampere feels somehow mystical to me. My message to those thinking about applying is that if you go to Tampere, it’s a choice you’ll never regret. At all.”

Text: Tiina Leivo