Synopses & Reviews
The French gave us the term bourgeois, and then argued endlessly about what it meant. "Of or pertaining to the French middle classes," according to the Oxford English Dictionary. But it is not a simple matter of social class. To be bourgeois one must master a system of words, gestures and objects that define a way of life, a particular culture. It requires the exercise of self-control, and the ritualization of daily routines. This witty, observant ethnography decodes the culture that dominates France.
Review
"...Le Wita...makes use of personal diaries, concise interviews, statistics, and linguistic materials --the full panoply of source materials, enriched by well-chosen photographs. Le Wita's attempts at definition are sophisticated and instructive..." B. Kilborne, Choice
Synopsis
The French gave us the term 'bourgeois', and then proceeded to argue endlessly about what it meant. According to the Oxford English Dictionary it means 'of or pertaining to the French middle classes'. But it is not a simple matter of social class. Beatrix LeWita sets out to decode the culture that dominates France.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction; 2. Definition by defamation; 3. The making of Laure; 4. The parable of the talents; 5. The three generations; Conclusion; Appendix.