French Socialism and Sexual Difference

Download or read book French Socialism and Sexual Difference written by S. Foley and published by Springer. This book was released on 1992-02-27 with total page 259 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This study explores the meanings ascribed to sexual difference in the theories of Charles Fourier, the Saint-Simonians and Flora Tristan. Their concept of 'the feminine' as a moral force justified a wide range of social roles for women. In addition, 'the feminine' became a symbol of the harmony and co-operation envisaged for the future. The study shows that, while these socialists challenged contemporary sex-role definitions, the new distinctions which they created nevertheless circumscribed the possibilities for female 'liberty'.