Immigrant women: presence and concealment (São Paulo Provinces, 1880-1930)

Abstract This paper aims to shed new light on the female presence in the (im)migration process to the provinces of São Paulo state, approaching different aspects of the experiences, routine tasks, work activities and cultural background of immigrant women. To that end, several sources were evaluated and revised, including letters, working logs, statements, memory journals and articles from daily newspapers or labor press. The text seeks to give a context to the role of immigrant women, both in rural areas, focused in coffee agriculture, or in town areas of São Paulo, where they represent a significant presence in several urban occupations, local trade, industrial activities or domestic housework. In addition, the present paper suggests broadening methodological horizons to study dislocations, questioning the typical universal male figure in immigration studies, and highlighting the importance of facing the migration experience from other perspectives, including that of women.