HISTORY OF A SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION: THE WOMAN IN THE MANUALS OF THE FRANQUIST DICTATORSHIP

Abstract

The gender counter-revolution, driven by the Franquist dictatorship, is also reflected in the History textbooks. The quantitative study of women in the manuals shows not only the reduction of their presence, but also the strengthening of stereotypes that justifies their sidelining from power. The textbooks reaffirm the maternal vocation of women, which is the foundation of their calling, as renunciation and love. They recreate a femininity made of beauty, irrationality, and fragility. Women of power or action have to be tamed and sent back to the private domain as soon as possible. Their intervention in history must be only exceptional and fleeting, as it is important that they do not acquire an exemplary value, and do not endanger the boundaries between the genders.