The Domestic Work in Southern Chile: Between the Visibility/Invisibility of Census Records and Everyday Experiences in Industrial Centers (1895 - 1960)

Abstract

This study examines domestic work in Chile between 1895 and 1960 using census data. We aim to understand its relationship with the country’s development models during this period, exploring its visibility and invisibility. We analyze how women’s work and its modes of documentation reflect the ideals of femininity of each era. We contrast this with oral accounts from women in industrial areas of southern Chile, showcasing domestic work in three dimensions: caregiving within households; informal domestic work in industrial centers and neighborhoods; and formal domestic work within the industries themselves. We highlight that these tasks were not only crucial for the daily functioning of the industrial system but also supported industrial paternalism and the reproduction of the workforce, contributing to regional economic success and stability