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Book synopsis

This study explores the meanings ascribed to sexual differences within early 19th century French socialism, and the implications of such definitions for women. Through a detailed examination of the theories of Charles Fourier, the Saint-Simonians and Flora Tristan, it illustrates how gender distinctions provided a tool of social criticism and an image of the idealized future. Love and sympathy were assigned as the qualities of "the feminine", thus justifying women's social participation alongside men. Furthermore, these qualities gave "the feminine" a symbolic significance in the project of moral and social renewal, evoking the desired world of harmony and co-operation. Rather than rejecting the binary distinction between masculine and feminine which was gaining new importance in their society, therefore, socialists challenged the value it ascribed to each sex and the roles it legitimated. However, the accentuation of sex differences also circumscribed the possibilities for female "liberty" and self-definition in their own society, and in the ideal worlds they envisaged.

Book details

Book category Books in English Society & social sciences Society & culture: general Social groups

• Full title: French Socialism and Sexual Difference
• Author: Susan K. Foley
• Language: English
• Binding: Hardback
• Number of pages: 249
• EAN: 9780333525302
• ISBN: 0333525302
• ID: 04594984
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Weight: 485 g
• Dimensions: 216 × 140 × 19 mm
• Date of publishing: 27. February 1992

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