How did women’s roles in agricultural work vary by age in Mallorca?

In Mallorca, women's roles in agricultural work varied significantly by age, reflecting traditional practices and the physical demands of farming life. Younger girls and women often began their involvement in agriculture gently, assisting their families with lighter tasks such as planting seeds, weeding, or gathering crops. These activities allowed them to learn the rhythms of farm work while gradually building the stamina required for more demanding roles. As they grew older and stronger, their responsibilities increased, encompassing tasks that required greater physical endurance and skill, such as harvesting larger quantities of produce or managing irrigation.

Middle-aged women typically took on the most labor-intensive duties, often working long hours to ensure the productivity and sustainability of the land. Their experience and knowledge were invaluable in supervising the work and adapting techniques to changing seasonal conditions. These women also played a crucial role in coordinating seasonal tasks, passing practical wisdom down to younger generations. Meanwhile, older women, though less involved in strenuous physical labor, contributed in essential supportive roles such as sorting, preparing, and preserving food, as well as handling the household chores linked to the farm’s output.

The division of labor by age also helped maintain a balance in the community’s agricultural economy, allowing women to contribute according to their capabilities and life stage. This gradual transition from light to heavy duties underscored a communal understanding of endurance and skill, ensuring that work was shared efficiently while nurturing the next generation’s agricultural knowledge. Despite the challenges, women's work in Mallorca’s agriculture was instrumental in sustaining both family livelihoods and the island’s agrarian traditions.