Patriotic thoughts or intuition: roles of women in Mexican nationalisms*

Abstract

ABSTRACT. This article presents a methodological exercise for the study of women in the nationalisms implied in the making of the Mexican nation. Bearing in mind the body of literature produced from an historical perspective, we have identified three types of nationalisms: the wars of independence, the nation‐building process and the multicultural nation. After discussing each type, the strategy proposed would apply the typology of women's roles and intersections of nationalism (Nira Yuval‐Davis and Floya Anthias). Such combined typologies allow us to identify the multiple interactions of women and the nation. We have empirically recourse to two characterisations of women: as heroines, and as intellectual creators of the nation. By looking at the role played by these female characters we observe how nationalism interacts with the current of ideas, thoughts or intuitions held by women.