The «affinity groups», actors of the anarchistic cultural and societal process (Spain, 1930-1939)

Abstract

The objective of this article is to analyze the characteristics and importance of anarchist affinity groups in the thirties within the Spanish libertarian movement. The anarchistic heterodoxy finds in these groups of local area and autonomy of action the way to create a combative and revolutionary militancy. The promotion of culture becomes the central pillar of the intervention of these groups. We will analyze the origin, function, meaning and idiosyncrasy of the basic organizational structure of the Spanish libertarian movement, and how the political changes initiated after the Civil War, would allow the FAI to convert affinity groups into an instrument to achieve greater influence and political power against other parties or groups.