La imagen de la mujer en España desde la perspectiva social, cultural y política, con un enfoque centrado en el período de la dictadura franquista (1939-1975)

Abstract

This work seeks to highlight the changing situation of Spanish women, from a cultural, social and political aspect, starting from the history of Spain, in general, and continuing in a chronological manner, until the 20th century, the Civil War, and in particular, the Franco dictatorship. This work initially starts with analysing the position of the woman during the Middle Ages, until the Modern Ages, and finally during Contemporary times. It then, emphasizes all of the achievements accomplished by women during the Second Republic, and the important role they played by them during the Civil War. Nevertheless, the following piece of work will be focusing on the Franco years in Spain, and the government's repression on women in different sections such as education and work. Furthermore, it studies the change women underwent during the post-war years, and Spanish forties fashion, when compared to the rest of Europe. It also studies the Feminine Section and the role it played in women's lives and in the indoctrination of women to create catholic wives and mothers. Added to this, it also seeks to study women that held their own agenda in the Feminine Section, and that eventually evolved into being pioneers of 20th century feminism. It emphasizes the feminine model represented in women's magazines during the dictatorship, and the way this helped to reinforce the model of wife and mother expected by the Regime. The aspects of daily life of women under the Francoist dictatorship are also studied, such as, homosexuality, entertainment, and the role the Church played in women's life. Finally, it concludes that the situation of women, changes radically from the Franco period with the initial changes that happened during what is known as the Transition.