Science Before Dinner: Science popularization in Francoist Spain through the Los Progresos Científicos Broadcast

Through the case study of Manuel Vidal Españó (1905-1984), a Spanish engineer and science popularizer, this paper addresses some features of science popularization in Franco’s dictatorship (1939-1975), such as the apolitical and uncritical techno-optimism and the (dis)continuities with the previous...

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Main Author: Boleda Jordi Ferran
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Sciendo 2024-12-01
Series:HoST
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.2478/host-2024-0011
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author Boleda Jordi Ferran
author_facet Boleda Jordi Ferran
author_sort Boleda Jordi Ferran
collection DOAJ
description Through the case study of Manuel Vidal Españó (1905-1984), a Spanish engineer and science popularizer, this paper addresses some features of science popularization in Franco’s dictatorship (1939-1975), such as the apolitical and uncritical techno-optimism and the (dis)continuities with the previous political regime. Vidal Españó conducted science radio talks on Radio Barcelona from 1924 until the late 1960s, particularly in his show Los Progresos Científicos (the Scientific Advances), which broke the typical one-way radio communication, establishing a dynamic relationship with his audience. His techno-optimistic and uncritical stance toward science and technology was a strategic approach for navigating the Francoist regime, allowing him to express occasional dissent. In addition to analysing his adaptation to new political conditions, the article explores his connection with the public, illustrating how an effective exchange of knowledge emerged, revealing the working classes’ understanding of science and technology during Francoism.
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spelling doaj-art-8000eaebb22f46b5a84264924dcedb962025-02-10T13:25:51ZengSciendoHoST1646-77522024-12-01182123210.2478/host-2024-0011Science Before Dinner: Science popularization in Francoist Spain through the Los Progresos Científicos BroadcastBoleda Jordi FerranThrough the case study of Manuel Vidal Españó (1905-1984), a Spanish engineer and science popularizer, this paper addresses some features of science popularization in Franco’s dictatorship (1939-1975), such as the apolitical and uncritical techno-optimism and the (dis)continuities with the previous political regime. Vidal Españó conducted science radio talks on Radio Barcelona from 1924 until the late 1960s, particularly in his show Los Progresos Científicos (the Scientific Advances), which broke the typical one-way radio communication, establishing a dynamic relationship with his audience. His techno-optimistic and uncritical stance toward science and technology was a strategic approach for navigating the Francoist regime, allowing him to express occasional dissent. In addition to analysing his adaptation to new political conditions, the article explores his connection with the public, illustrating how an effective exchange of knowledge emerged, revealing the working classes’ understanding of science and technology during Francoism.https://doi.org/10.2478/host-2024-0011radio showpublics of sciencefrancoismpopularizationpopular science
spellingShingle Boleda Jordi Ferran
Science Before Dinner: Science popularization in Francoist Spain through the Los Progresos Científicos Broadcast
HoST
radio show
publics of science
francoism
popularization
popular science
title Science Before Dinner: Science popularization in Francoist Spain through the Los Progresos Científicos Broadcast
title_full Science Before Dinner: Science popularization in Francoist Spain through the Los Progresos Científicos Broadcast
title_fullStr Science Before Dinner: Science popularization in Francoist Spain through the Los Progresos Científicos Broadcast
title_full_unstemmed Science Before Dinner: Science popularization in Francoist Spain through the Los Progresos Científicos Broadcast
title_short Science Before Dinner: Science popularization in Francoist Spain through the Los Progresos Científicos Broadcast
title_sort science before dinner science popularization in francoist spain through the los progresos cientificos broadcast
topic radio show
publics of science
francoism
popularization
popular science
url https://doi.org/10.2478/host-2024-0011
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