An intersectional study: the figure of the Moor of Al Andalus in the Francoist dictatoreship‘s history textbooks (1936-1975)

Abstract

The idea of intersectionality allows to report about the complexity of the figure of the Moor of Al Andalus in the history textbooks that have been published during the Francoist dictatorship, as it reflects at the same time the conception of manhood and colonialist views that their authors adopted. The imaginary figure of the Moor of Al Andalus is at the same time a predecessor of the contemporary Spaniard (whom he bequeathed a brilliant cultural heritage), and a stranger to a nation that is now defined by catholic faith. He partially embodies the qualities that are expected from a man, which are becoming militarized after 1939. Those qualities can however lead to vice and emasculation, as they are not limited by the moderation and civilization which only the catholic faith can provide. That’s why this study also helps us to clarify, in negative, the limits of the masculine ideal that the textbook righters promote, and which integrates the long term affirmation of the model of the bourgeois man.

Keywords : Intersectionality, colonialism, textbooks, masculinities