Family farming and gender in a valley in northern Spain

This study is the outcome of research on family farming in a coastal valley in northern Spain. The objective of the study is to determine to what degree traditional norms and values persist in the practices of family farmers. A qualitative methodology was used in the research. It demonstrates that, contrary to the optimism expressed by some studies, social changes have not succeeded in transforming the organization of family farms, or the rigid guidelines associated with the social reproduction of these rural economy units, which are still subject to traditional forms of succession and inheritance. As a result, so-called farm ideology is still a very present feature of everyday life. This ideology, defined by its strong masculine and patriarchal content, places the man as the majority owner and the woman as the wife and producer, left to take on an endless list of roles, both visible and "invisible”. Equal rights for women, although universally recognised, are still far from being achieved in this valley of northern Spain. •Family farming obeys the values of tradition more than those of modernity.•Farmers innovate in the succession and inheritance of their farms, without giving up permanent rules.•Patriarchal patterns and values of masculinity continue to organize family farming.•Modern family farming has exponentially increased women's work.•Frequently, family farming hinders the incorporation of equality rights.