Patriarchy in the Management, Succession and Sale of Phebo Perfumery

Abstract

In this paper, we will analyze the inheritance of succession and the trajectory of the leadership positions of Perfumaria Phebo, between 1936 and 1988, through the theoretical perspective of patriarchy. Beyond patriarchy, the paper also dialogues with the theory of the patriarchal family business in the 20th century. The problem that guides the study is: the question of gender was fundamental in the inheritance of Phebo's succession? The methodology involved bibliographic and field research, the latter aimed at composing the “shared memory” of people who had a bond with the company. The results indicate that the patriarchal culture was reflected in the management, succession of leadership positions and even in the decision to sell the company. It is concluded that this culture helps to explain the crisis, the sale and the loss of control of the Santiago family over Phebo.