A Cultural History of Deviance: Modern "Femininity" and "Masculinity"

Today, in the humanities and social sciences—such as literary studies, history, and sociology—it is impossible to ignore the gender perspective. Even if one does not adopt gender theory as a methodology, it is necessary to be aware of its existence. Stimulated by gender studies, which has questioned the status and representation of women in society and culture, the field of "men's studies" has also developed over the past 20 years. In this way, the historical and ideological nature of the norms of "femininity" and "masculinity" has been brought to light.

How were such notions of "femininity" and "masculinity" defined in the France of the past, and how did people resist them? This book, "A Cultural History of Deviance," was written starting from that awareness of the problem. Focusing primarily on France from the 19th to the early 20th century, I have considered this issue while interpreting novels, autobiographies, and books on medical sciences. I personally consider it to be both a cultural history and a literary study.

In Part I, I clarified that women of that time lived under norms that were far more restrictive than those of today. In particular, the norms of "femininity" imposed on young girls suppressed their psychology and bound their bodies. That is precisely why deviants who defied the norms appeared, attempting to affirm their own freedom and desires.

Although perhaps not to the same extent as with women, the mechanism of norms and deviance can also be observed in men. Therefore, in Part II, while delving into the social and sexual constraints imposed on men, I showed that resistance to them was often branded as "perversion."

In the present day, LGBT is recognized, and people have become more tolerant of diversity in sexual orientation and gender choice. However, this was not the case in France 100 years ago. I hope readers will understand that in any field, courage and struggle are necessary to win the recognition of freedom and diversity.

Thanks in part to the efforts of Aya Murakami, an editor at Keio University Press, the publication of this book prompted the Tokyodo Bookstore in Jinbocho to organize a book fair for gender-related books. In addition to the books I selected, I was happy that the bookstore staff found and displayed other interesting related works.

A Cultural History of Deviance: Modern "Femininity" and "Masculinity"

Kosei Ogura

Keio University Press

244 pages, 2,400 yen (excluding tax)

*Affiliations and titles are those at the time of publication.