The Power of Gender: Secularism and Religion, 1905-2005
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Florence Rochefort, (dir.), Le pouvoir du genre. Laïcités et religions, 1905-2005
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions” publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales”)
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Subtitle: Toulouse, Presses Universitaires du Mirail, coll. « Le temps du genre », 2007, 275 p.
Original source:
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Céline Béraud
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly”)
Full text available for: Florence Rochefort, (dir.), Le pouvoir du genre. Laïcités et religions, 1905-2005
Year: 2009 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.21663
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The book "Le pouvoir du genre. Laïcités et religions, 1905-2005," edited by Florence Rochefort, compiles fourteen contributions that explore the relationship between secularization processes and gender equality in France over a century. Marking the centenary of the 1905 law on secularism, this collection addresses whether the secularization of French society correlates with an advancement in gender equality. The essays focus on historical contexts, particularly concerning education, and the impact of religious institutions on the dynamics of gender roles and societal norms.
The Role of Education in Gender Equality
One of the crucial themes discussed in the book is the role education played in promoting gender equality in France from 1860 to 1914. Contributions by Michelle Zancarini-Fournel and Frédéric Mole highlight how public education was not a straightforward path to gender equality. While there were efforts to create non-differentiated school curricula for boys and girls, debates ensued regarding vocational training for women and the inclusion of domestic education. These discourses surrounding education reflect broader societal struggles over gender roles, with some advocating for traditional roles while others sought to challenge the status quo. The tensions between secular education and moral teachings from various religious backgrounds also shaped educational policies and, consequently, gender dynamics within society.
Colonial Perspectives on Gender and Education
Another significant focus of the book is the influence of colonial contexts on gender education, particularly in Jewish and Muslim communities in Algeria and Tunisia. Joëlle Allouche-Benayoun illustrates how the introduction of public schooling transformed Jewish mentalities and facilitated women's emancipation. Conversely, Julia Clancy-Smith discusses how local authorities in Tunisia emphasized religious teachings in girls' education, which reflected broader societal concerns regarding morality and gender roles across different cultural frameworks. These contributions exemplify how colonial education systems not only shaped social identities but also further complicated the intersection of gender, religion, and secularization in diverse communities.
Conclusion
Overall, "Le pouvoir du genre" offers a comprehensive examination of the complex relationships among gender, secularism, and religion in France between 1905 and 2005. The insights presented in the book encourage further exploration into the nuances of gender equality in both historical and contemporary contexts. Despite some inconsistencies in coherence between the sections and a lack of focus on post-World War I France, the volume serves as a valuable foundation for future research on the evolving dynamics of gender and secularism within various social and political frameworks.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of 'Le pouvoir du genre'?
'Le pouvoir du genre' explores the relationship between secularism and gender equality from 1905 to 2005, examining whether secularization advances gender equality.
Who edited the book 'Le pouvoir du genre'?
The book is edited by Florence Rochefort and published by Presses Universitaires du Mirail.
What historical time period does the book cover?
The book examines events and debates regarding laïcité and gender from 1905 to 2005.
What topics are discussed in relation to education?
The book discusses the role of schools in promoting gender equality, examining curricular debates, women's educational opportunities, and the influence of various societal models.
What contemporary issues regarding gender does the book address?
It addresses contemporary issues such as women's rights at the UN, the impact of religion on gender norms, and the marriage equality debate in Western societies.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “The Power of Gender: Secularism and Religion, 1905-2005”. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) Woman (Women):
The term woman encompasses the focus of historical and contemporary gender discussions, emphasizing their multifaceted roles in society amid shifts in religious and secular ideologies.
2) Religion:
Religion plays a central role in the discussions about the processes of secularization and gender equality, as various religious institutions impact the lives and rights of women within both historical and contemporary contexts.
3) Education:
Education serves as a pivotal theme, as it is seen as a means to promote gender equality, yet also reflects the complexities of societal expectations and women's roles within both domestic and professional spheres.
4) Power:
Power dynamics are evident in the way gender relations are structured within various religious and secular institutions, influencing women's rights and societal status through political and legal frameworks.
5) Marriage:
The concept of marriage is a significant point of debate, particularly in relation to women's rights and the legal implications of marriage laws influenced by religion and secularism.
6) Family:
Family structures are examined to understand how gender roles are reinforced or challenged, particularly concerning the responsibilities assigned to women as caregivers and educators.
7) Debate:
Various debates arise around the themes of gender, secularization, and religion, highlighting differing perspectives on how these areas interact and influence gender equality.
8) Experience:
Women's experiences in education, work, and family life illustrate the unique challenges they face, shaping discussions about their rights and social roles within both religious and secular contexts.
9) Separation (Separateness, Separate, Separated):
The idea of separation between church and state is explored, reflecting on how this affects gender dynamics and the role of religious perspectives in shaping policies impacting women.
10) Identity:
Identity is a crucial aspect as it intersects with gender, religion, and politics; the text implies that self-identification for women is influenced by cultural, social, and legal factors.
11) Sex (Sexual):
Sexual education and morality are debated extensively, reflecting cultural attitudes towards gender and sexuality and the role of institutions in shaping these discussions.
12) Space:
The societal space allocated for women's activism and voice is critically addressed, showing how they navigate conflicts between personal rights and institutional expectations.
13) Lead:
Leadership roles for women within educational and religious domains are examined while reflecting on the historical context of their contributions and the barriers they face.
14) Foreign language:
[see source text or glossary: foreign language]
15) Instruction:
Instruction methods in schools are scrutinized, particularly regarding their implications for gender equality and how educational content reinforces or challenges traditional gender roles.
16) Revolution:
Revolutions, particularly in socioeconomic contexts, lead to significant changes in the rights and status of women, highlighting the need for ongoing advocacy in political and religious spaces.
17) Withdrawal:
The withdrawal of certain religious institutions from specific societal roles is crucial for understanding changes in women's rights, as it influences public policy and social norms.
18) Evolution:
The evolution of gender rights over decades, particularly in relation to secularism and religion, emphasizes the progress still needed for true equality.
19) Existence:
The existence of multiple feminist movements around the world highlights both the struggles and achievements of women in various contexts where religion and culture intersect.
20) Language:
Language, as used in policies and discourses about gender and rights, plays a significant role in shaping perceptions and fostering either equality or discrimination.
21) Politics:
Politics serves as a battleground for gender-related rights, where the interplay between secular laws and religious beliefs profoundly affects women's empowerment.
22) External:
External factors, including international women's movements and global trends, significantly influence local discussions on gender equality and secularism.
23) Charter:
The UN Charter and conventions evidence the international commitment to women’s rights, although translation of principles into practice remains complex.
24) Worship:
Worship practices often reflect and reinforce gender roles, demonstrating how religious beliefs can influence societal expectations towards women.
25) Student:
The role of female students in educational settings serves as a critical indicator of broader societal changes and the potential for advancements in gender equality.
26) Indian:
The case of 'Indian secularism' illustrates the complexities of personal status laws and their impact on women's rights within a secular framework.
27) Future:
The future of gender equality depends on overcoming historical barriers and continuing to advocate for women's rights across various domains.
28) India:
In the Indian context, the intersection of secularism and personal laws showcases the ongoing challenges faced by women despite constitutional guarantees.
29) Heart:
The heart of the discussions centers on the struggle for gender equality and its correlation with religious and secular policies throughout history.
30) Union:
The union of various feminist movements underscores the collective efforts towards achieving gender equality, despite diverse cultural and political backgrounds.
31) Anti (Amti):
[see source text or glossary: anti]
32) Lama:
[see source text or glossary: lama]
33) City:
[see source text or glossary: city]
34) Book:
The book provides a comprehensive overview of gender issues across secular and religious contexts, making significant contributions to the discourse surrounding women's rights.