Corbett4&5

FRE 105
Handout 6: Religion, family and social classes.
(Download and print handout as well as the articles linked)
Read articles, P. Platt and answer questions.

1/. FAMILY and SOCIETY
1. Read article
The reinvention of the family.(click and download) from on-line magazine( Label France no 39)
Questions

- What was the revolution (May 68) all about ? Who were the partners? Who were the enemies? Can you understand some of the messages on the posters?
- What changes did May 68 launch in the French traditional values regarding the family and French society in general?

2. Read Article Family, new values(click and download) - In France, less people get married, why?
- What is the PACS?
- What is said to mitigate the effect of unemployment on young people? 3. Article on Family policy : - What measures are adopted by France to help and support its families.
- Compare with the US. Comments? 2/. RELIGION 1. Read article: Religion & society (click & download)

- What is the traditionally dominant religion in France?

- What are the second and third largest religious groups?

Notes on Protestants/ Muslims in France:

Many Protestants (Huguenots) left France under Louis XIV (17thc) who revoked the Edict of Nantes 100 years after its creation (1598), , cancelling the freedom of religion. Protestants who survived were active in the protection of Jews in WWII and in social reforms of the Left-wing socialist government of F Miterrand in the 1980's.

The so-called "headscarf" (hijab) affairs has led to debate on the secular principle in schools.The wearing of religious symbols at school is not, in itself, contrary to the secular principle(e.g small crosses worn on chains). It becomes so if it is ostentatious, a factor in school absenteeism, proselytism and disorder. So the problem has to be dealt with case by case.

2. Read: The Secular Principle(click and download)

Note!!! In France, the only legal marriage contract is the civil marriage.

People can choose to have a religious celebration but it is additional. It carries no validity on its own.

Schools in France cannot teach religion unless they are private schools.

- What does the "secular principle" of the French Constitution mean?

note: Separation of Church and State: December 1905.

- After reading these articles:compare the relationship of Church and State in France with the US and comment.

- How is it possible to reconcile the ideals of the Republique (Liberty/Equality/Fraternity) with religions that have marked differences?

3. -Video clips in class: Interview with a Priest 3/. SOCIETY. Values? differences? Private ? Public? Taboos? Formality?

In France, money and religious beliefs are private matters. It is impolite to ask direct questions on this to strangers. Talking about oneself is also restrained in the same way.
Social classes. These social taboos are linked to the concept of "Class ".

The class gap is narrowing but the tradition is still in place. (see films below, for reference.)

E.g. Elitist education at the top administrative schools (ENA) (see handout 8),

Note!The arrival in France of many immigrants in search of work from former colonies and from European countries has exacerbated the social class polarity

E.g. See film such as Hate and French National Identity & Immigration (Handout 9).

Read Polly Platt, chapters 2 (Space), 4(Strangers/neighborhood) and 9 (Family) and coda (the dos'and dont's pp.255)

- Cite an anecdote by Polly Platt to illustrate the differences in perception of what is private or public in France, what is accepted behavior and what isn't, what is expected and what is not. (e.g nudity, attitude towards children, closeness, civic correctness, "minding one's own business", what shock and what does not...)

Film clips in class: you may want to check them out as a possible final research paper topic(see course guidelines)

2 feature films--> 1-Life is a Long Quiet River/

2- Hate

-These films focus on social commentary. Pay attention to the following points and write some comments:

1. the portrayal of the "haves" and "have nots in France, the issue of social class differences

2. their values, housing and preoccupations

3. their interactions within the families

4. attitudes towards school

5. friendship, love and marriage

6. References to the social services

7 References to social prejudices

Films : (Waterfield circulation desk reserve for Saint Paul/ Media center/ Lab 403)
see descriptions on-line in Film & guidelines.
(1) La vie est un long fleuve tranquille (Life is a Long Quiet River)
2) La Haine (Hate) in Lab 403 also. (not a comedy though there is comic relief)
others:
(3) Ma Vie en rose (My Life in Pink) (,, ,,)
(4) Romuald et Juliette (Mama there is a man in your bed)

P. Platt, ref to chapters 2, 4, 9 and coda.