Conflicts in French Society: Anticlericalism, Education and Morals in the 19th Century

Conflicts in French Society, published in 1970, is a comprehensive study of the social history of anticlericalism. It explores various conflicts in modern French society, such as the conflict of moralities, education, politics, and village life, and provides insight into sexual behavior, education differences, political organization, and popular anticlericalism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 236 pages
Publication date: 03 February 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Conflicts in French Society, originally published in 1970, is a comprehensive exploration of the social history of anticlericalism. Spanning four chapters, each grounded in original research, the book reinterprets the origins and scope of certain enduring conflicts in contemporary French society. In the chapter titled "The Conflict of Moralities," Theodore Zeldin delves into the realm of confession, uncovering the sins and pleasures of everyday life that were both revealed and repressed within this practice. This insightful analysis provides a rare glimpse into the sexual behavior of nineteenth-century France. Moving on to "The Conflict in Education," Robert Anderson challenges the notion that church and state schools were inherently divided, presenting a contrasting portrayal of students from these two educational systems. He highlights the disparities between them and questions the belief that these divisions created hostile camps within France. In "The Conflict in Politics," Austin Gough delves into the church's efforts to establish a political following and the Bonapartists' response to these endeavors. He describes the strategies employed by the church and the counteractions taken by the Bonapartists, shedding light on the complex dynamics of political conflict in the context of nineteenth-century France. Lastly, in "The Conflict in Village Life," Roger Magraw examines popular anticlericalism at the local level, challenging the notion that ideology was the sole driving force behind it. Instead, he offers an intimate portrayal of village life, highlighting the multifaceted factors that shaped anticlerical sentiment. This book appeals to sociologists of religion and education, as well as those interested in comprehending the politics and morals of France.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032426099