Dialogue between History and Gender

criticism, perspectives and analysis of working women in Portugal during the revolutionary period (1974-1975)

Abstract

This article aims to put into dialogue issues about gender as an analytical category in the field of history, in order to problematize and discuss the study of women workers in the Portuguese revolutionary period, specifically the case of self-management of the company Sogantal. Portugal breaks with a fascist regime that had lasted almost half a century, ending this period with April 25, 1974. This period is markedly important in the history of the country under a revolutionary experience, with guidelines for a socialist path where the working class had an important influence on the consequences of this cut. Demonstrations, previously banned, bubbled up throughout the country, as well as strikes, stoppages, claims, self-management, self-control and reorganization of former members of the former regime. It is noteworthy that women agricultural workers and domestic workers had a prominent role
in the achievements of April. Specifically, the case of the textile company Sogantal, made up of 48 women between 14 and 23 years old, who went into self-management after expelling former employers who wanted to declare bankruptcy and did not pay the due compensation, will be analyzed. Methodologically, we will analyze company newspapers, periodicals such as Avante!, Combate and Revolução - among others -, official documents and bibliographical debate. Portuguese historiography is still scarce in works that show an analysis not of the “history of women”, but of inserting their historical role in the events that unfold in the timeline. It is sublime to point out, therefore, that the relationship between gender and history must be critically used to deeply understand the past and, in this case, the struggles and achievements stemming from a revolutionary rupture.