Mujeres agregadas en el Buenos Aires del siglo XVIII: caridad y solidaridad

Abstract

In the colonial society of Buenos Aires in the 18th century, a more valuable figure existed which was more valuable that what has been traditionally attributed to it in the sociodemographic studies: the added women. In the present study, these female figures are analyzed as well as the networks about “gender solidarity” that were woven from them. Thus, the census established in Buenos Aires in 1744 has been taken as our source since it provides us with a great amount of information to understand this complex phenomenon. According to the bonds of addition that are established, it is highlighted a majority of cases where the addition happens due to the women who exercise leadership at home. It happens mainly with other women, more often than with men; hence, it is emphasized the concept of “gender solidarity”. The ­added women form an heterogeneous group since we find additions due to different reasons: family, economic, etc,; however, it is highlighted the charity and solidarity as support for the feminine survival of the moment.