Hombres españoles desplazados: masculinidades y nación en los exilios y migraciones españoles durante el franquismo

Abstract

This article explores the disadvantageous situations and sufferings of Spanish men in exiles and migrations during Francoism and the subsequent impacts on their masculinity. Spanish men followed a civic masculinity, based on values such as work, fatherhood and a clear and traditional division of gender roles. Leaving Spain and living in the host country challenged their model of masculinity, causing in them feelings of crisis, impotence and instability. Despite possible positive consequences that could reaffirm their masculinity, such as an improvement of their economic situation and a greater freedom, displaced Spanish men used to feel defeated when leaving Spain, suffered difficulties in adapting to the new country and faced discrimination and xenophobia. To counteract these emasculating experiences, they resorted to multiple strategies to remasculinize their identities, such as their moral dignity and political commitment.