Practiced Citizenship: Women, Gender, and the State in Modern France

Sociologist T. H. Marshall's model of the evolution of full citizenship in modern nation-states has been criticized by feminist scholars for neglecting the role of women. Feminist historians have argued that Marshalls typology failed to describe adequately developments that affected women in France, and that social rights rooted in republican notions of womanhood came early and fast for women in France while political and economic rights would continue to lag behind. Practiced Citizenship offers a rereading of this narrative by demonstrating how gender normativity and the resulting constraints placed on women created opportunities for a renegotiation of the social and sexual contract.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 330 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2019
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press

Over fifty years ago, sociologist T. H. Marshall initiated a groundbreaking debate on the evolution of full citizenship in modern nation-states. He argued that this process unfolded in three stages: from civil rights to political rights and finally to social rights. However, feminist scholars quickly identified the shortcomings of this model, highlighting the implicit "sexual contract" that underpinned the modern social contract of nation-states. Political theorist Carol Pateman argued that the birth of modern democracy led to the political erasure of women, as the modern social contract was premised on an assumption of male dominance.

Since the 1990s, feminist historians have recognized that Marshall's typology failed to adequately capture developments that impacted women in France. An examination of the role of women and gender in welfare-state development revealed that social rights rooted in republican notions of womanhood were granted to women in France much earlier than political and economic rights. While women enjoyed considerable access to social citizenship privileges, the absence of formal women's rights continued to dominate the discourse.

Practiced Citizenship offers a transformative reinterpretation of this narrative. By examining how citizenship was experienced, practiced, and deployed by women in France during the modern period, Practiced Citizenship demonstrates how gender normativity and the associated constraints created opportunities for a renegotiation of the social and sexual contract. The book explores how women negotiated and challenged gender norms, advocating for their rights and interests within the framework of the state. It also sheds light on the ways in which women's activism and participation in political and social movements contributed to the broader struggle for gender equality.

Through its comprehensive analysis, Practiced Citizenship provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the evolution of citizenship and gender roles in modern society. It challenges traditional narratives that portray women as passive recipients of rights and highlights the active and agency-filled role that women have played in shaping the political and social landscape. The book offers valuable insights for scholars, policymakers, and activists working towards gender equality and social justice.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 154 x 228 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496206664