Tiempos, trabajos e identidades. Análisis comparativo entre mujeres españolas y portuguesas

Spain and Portugal are neighbouring countries which have shared similar historical traditions. In the 20th century, they have lived under dictatorships that ended almost at the same time. Both countries have also been characterised by Catholicism, a religion that has always been against the reforms taking place in Europe and that clearly influenced its traditional conception of woman and family. Despite the many common points that both countries share, important differences are noticed regarding the female labour situation. The aim of this article is to show the different labour and family traditions of Spanish and Portuguese women. To achieve this, the determining factors that have recently led to this divergence of behaviour are explained. The conclusion is that the incorporation of Portuguese women into the paid labour market took place earlier and more quickly.