Time is everything

Rationalization of industrial activity, timing system and women resistances during Franco´s dictatorship

Abstract

This article will analyze the implementation processes of the scientific organization of work systems in the Spanish industrial fabric developed during Franco´s dictatorship from a gender perspective. To this end, we will examine the extension and application of the Bedaux system in the main Vitorian factories that had abundant female labor during the 50s and 60s of the last century. Based on the results, we have been able to verify how this system of rationalization of production and work deliberately discriminated against the categories, trades or tasks carried out by women, either giving them little value or subjecting them to accelerated work rhythms. This grievance will lead the workers of these factories to deploy different strategies in order to recover their autonomy over the production process.