European University Institute Library

The pious sex, Catholic constructions of masculinity and femininity in Belgium, c. 1800 - 1940, Tine Van Osselaer

eng

Includes bibliographical references and index

illustrations

index present

non fiction

The pious sex

bibliography

869414987

Tine Van Osselaer

KADOC-Studies on Religion, Culture and Society

Catholic constructions of masculinity and femininity in Belgium, c. 1800 - 1940

Although women were called the 'pious sex' much earlier, it was during the nineteenth century, when the differences between men and women were being made more explicit, that an intense bond between women and religion was developed. Religiosity was thought to be a 'natural' part of femininity and turned religious masculinity into an oddity. This clear-cut gender ideology, however, remains an ideology (prescribed and contested) that needs to be put in the perspective of its context of origin, the bourgeois milieu. How were these gender identities constructed and by whom? Tine Van Osselaer seeks to clarify how the gender differentiation was created among Belgian Catholics. She brings to light the extent to which religiosity was inscribed in these constructions and how religious teachings contributed to it. It is clear that the limitations of the 'feminization' thesis, a master narrative that has strongly contributed to the introduction of women in religious history, have gradually become more visible. Documenting pastoral care, the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Catholic Action, this book offers critical commentaries on the master narratives, suggesting that even men could belong to a 'pious sex.'--, Provided by Publisher

Gender & Religion 'Plus une femme est sainte, ... , plus elle est femme': 'Naturalising' religiosity On the intersection of gender studies and religious studies The 'Feminisation' Thesis: a Primer Approach Introducing Belgian Catholics Opening perspectives Gender dualisms Sacred Heart devotion Catholic Action Sermons Pastoral manuals and periodicals Constructing gender identities PART II 'GOOD' CATHOLICS The 'Pious Sex' Topography of a theme 'The other sex' Women's piety Communicating with the 'pious sex' 'La classe dévote' Women's spiritual guidance: concluding remarks Only fit for women 'Handle with care': communicating with male parishioners Winning men through 'masculine' behaviour The pastor and his flock Gender Ideology in Church Setting Pharisees, porch guards and lovers: gender prejudices and ideals pervading the sermons Creating a problem? Considering Belgium Considering Catholic practice Considering a crisis Gender Ideology for the 'Little Church', the Catholic Home Introducing the Catholic family, cornerstone of Christian society A family model and model family 'Mulieri non permitto dominari in virum' A good wife is God-given In the name of the Father Concluding remarks PART III DEVOTED CATHOLICS The Sacred Heart Devotion in Belgium For the love of Christ For the heart of the nation: Belgium and the Sacred Heart Devotional practices and movements Changing Apostles 'More effective than the sound of the bell': the Apostleship of Prayer at the end of the 1860s The Apostleship in the 1890s: defining a problem 'Divide et impera': reintroducing women in the 1930s Conclusion Gendering Heroism Catholic heroism Heroic women Heroic men Becoming a hero and heroine Models for Christians PART IV CATHOLICS IN ACTION Setting the Stage: Adult Catholic Action Movements Catholics in action Introducing the Catholic Action in Belgium Catholic Action in Belgium: youth organisations New style adult Catholic Action movements Young prophets and veterans Mobilising the laity Unity and difference Mobilising Men 'Militant' and 'modern' movements A lay movement Promoters and militants A focus on men 'Real' men A single-sex movement 'En service commandé' Catholic Action and new ideologies Differentiating Concluding remarks Mobilising Mothers Women's Catholic Action 'Helpers' 'Militantes' Women's movement Motherhood duties? 'Real' women Regarding men Concluding remarks PART V MAKING A DIFFERENCE Adam, Eve and the Others Gender dyads Gender difference Dichotomous constructions? 'Feminisation' and 'Masculinisation' Epilogue