Contributions to a Portuguese Historiography of Geography (1955 To
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Putting Women in their Place: Contributions to a Portuguese Historiography of Geography (1955 to 1974) Marta Rodrigues 140131909 Department of Geography The University of Sheffield PhD Thesis Submitted in fulfilment for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy April 2019 1 2 3 Abstract This thesis examines the relationship between gender and the production of geographical knowledge. It provides a critical analysis of women’s positions within Portuguese Geography from 1955 to 1974, a time when Salazar’s dictatorship sought to impose severe restrictions on women’s horizons. The originality of this work relies not only on the time frame under scrutiny but also in the fact that a work of this kind has never previously been attempted. In the Portuguese geographical context, contrary to its Anglo-American counterpart, feminist historiography is not a well-established field. As such, this study not only intends to incorporate women into the history of the discipline, making it more inclusive, but also to contribute to a growing interest and expansion of the field in Portugal. Mixed qualitative methods were employed in this study. (1) Eleven Portuguese women geographers were interviewed, in each case through sustained and successive meetings, which took time to explore their experiences in depth. (2) Sustained archival research was conducted in Lisbon, Oporto and Coimbra. (3) Published textual material, by and about Portuguese women geographers, was systematically collated and analysed. This study addresses the history of the discipline, questions of gender, patriarchy and women’s positionality through the lenses of critical postcolonial and feminist geographies. It establishes the need to introduce feminist perspectives into scholarship and teaching about histories of geographical knowledge. It contributes to a new chapter in the history of Portuguese Geography and a larger awareness of other voices in the geographical panorama. 4 5 Acknowledgements “Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” — Margaret Cousins A thesis is never a product of only one person; although the process of research and writing is completed by the researcher, it could never be done without the support of the people close to us. A special thanks to my Mum and Dad, for believing in me, for teaching me to follow my dreams, for the advice, the long Skype talks and the dedicated support throughout this wonderful journey. To my brother Vitor, who consistently reassured me that I was doing well and that I would accomplish my goal, my best friend who never stopped believing in me, my dreams and my capacity for achievement. To my cousin Sofia, for her presence, support and long talks during the entire process. Sharing and discussing ideas with you was extremely helpful. To Joel, for yesterday, for today and forever. Thank you for the support, kind words and companionship in the most difficult hours. To Ana Francisca de Azevedo, who introduced me to other geographies, broadened my horizons and cultivated in me the idea of doing a PhD, thank you! To my supervisors, Richard Phillips and Gill Valentine, thank you so much for the guidance, support and invaluable assistance since the day I arrived at Sheffield. It was a privilege to learn more from you! A special thanks to Marcia Vera, Monica Ortiz, Alex Hastie and Azeezat Johnson, colleagues from the Department of Geography of the University of Sheffield. Finally, thanks to the Portuguese women geographers for taking a little of their time to receive me and talk with me, allowing me to know them better, and for engaging with my research. Without your contribution, this project would not have been possible. 6 7 Table of contents Abstract ...................................................................................................................................... 4 Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................... 6 Table of contents ........................................................................................................................ 8 List of Figures .......................................................................................................................... 12 List of Tables ............................................................................................................................ 14 List of Charts ............................................................................................................................ 16 Chapter 1 - Introduction ........................................................................................................... 18 1.1. Portuguese Context .................................................................................................... 21 Portuguese Historical Context ................................................................................... 21 Developments in Portuguese Academic Geography .................................................. 23 1.2. Thesis aims and objectives ........................................................................................ 26 1.3. Structure of the Thesis ............................................................................................... 27 Chapter 2 - Defying hegemonic knowledge production .......................................................... 29 2.1. Feminist Historiography in Geography ..................................................................... 29 2.2. Feminist Historiography in Portuguese Geography .................................................. 35 Chapter 3 - Methodology ......................................................................................................... 41 3.1. Empirical Methodology ............................................................................................. 41 3.1.1. Archives ........................................................................................................... 42 3.1.2. Interviews I: Recruitment and Dates ................................................................ 45 3.1.3. Interviews II: Recording and Analysing .......................................................... 47 3.1.4. Discourse and Image Analysis ......................................................................... 48 3.1.5. Positionality ..................................................................................................... 50 3.1.6. Challenges ........................................................................................................ 52 Chapter 4 - Women’s Constrains in Estado Novo ................................................................... 54 4.1. Policies, Practices and Ideologies .............................................................................. 54 8 4.1.1. Women's Constraints: Family .......................................................................... 59 4.1.2. Women’s Constraints: Church ......................................................................... 63 4.1.3. Women’s Constraints: Labour ......................................................................... 67 4.2. Conclusion.................................................................................................................. 72 Chapter 5 - Women’s Education: Framing Female Minds ...................................................... 73 5.1. Education: tradition, nationalism and elitism ............................................................ 73 5.2. Women’s access to studies ........................................................................................ 75 5.3. Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 100 Chapter 6 - Counter Narratives of Portuguese Geography .................................................... 101 6.1. Biographical Narratives of Portuguese Women Geographers ................................. 101 6.1.1. Social Class and Support: Chasing Geography .............................................. 102 6.1.2. We were there: Women’s Presence in Portuguese Geography ...................... 111 6.1.3. Fieldwork: What was distinctive of Women? ................................................ 120 6.1.4. Career and Recognition: Women’s Hurdles .................................................. 129 6.2. Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 138 Chapter 7 - Women’s contributions to Portuguese Geography .............................................. 140 7.1. In Their Own Words: Career Stories and Achievements of Portuguese Women Geographers .................................................................................................................... 140 7.1.1. Celeste Coelho - Physical Geographer ........................................................... 141 7.1.2. Lucília Caetano – Human Geographer ........................................................... 144 7.1.3. Lucília Gouveia – Human Geographer .......................................................... 146 7.1.4. Manuela Malheiro – Human Geographer ...................................................... 147 7.1.5. Maria Alfreda Cruz – Human Geographer ..................................................... 148 7.1.6. Maria Fernanda Alegria – Human Geographer .............................................. 150 7.1.7. Raquel Soeiro de Brito – Human Geographer ..............................................