barraconeras

Barraconeras is a term that historically referred to women who lived in or worked in temporary, barrack-like accommodations, often associated with mining or industrial sites in Spain. These women were typically the wives, daughters, or companions of male laborers. The living conditions in these barracones were often basic and crowded, reflecting the transient nature of the work and the need for inexpensive housing for large numbers of laborers.

The presence of barraconeras was a common feature in regions undergoing significant industrial development, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their lives were closely tied to the fortunes of the industries where their male relatives worked, and they often formed close-knit communities within the barracones. These communities played a role in the social fabric of remote or newly established industrial areas.

The term itself, "barracón," derives from the Italian word "barraccone," meaning a large tent or shed, emphasizing the rudimentary nature of the dwellings. While the term is largely historical, it evokes a specific period of social and economic history characterized by large-scale labor migration and the development of industrial infrastructure in Spain. The social and economic conditions of barraconeras varied greatly depending on the specific location, industry, and time period.