Self-management during the Portuguese Revolutionary Period: The case of the women workers at the Sogantal factory (1974-1976)

Abstract

Self-management as a form of resistance was widely adopted during the Portuguese revolutionary period, with a decisive impact on the textile/clothing sector. The aim of this article is to present and understand the organization of the workers at the Sogantal factory during their self-management period, seeking to emphasize relevant characteristics and attributes in the relationship between class and gender. Methodologically, we analyzed primary sources, mainly from the press, communiqués and newspapers produced by the women workers. Our conclusion is that the organization of the women of Sogantal represented an example in the workers’ struggle developed during the period and that it contributed to converting alienated work into a form of collective creation, with a strong sharing of experiences and solidarity between workers.