9781350013391

1350013390

9781350013414

9781350013407

"An exploration of how doctors and social scientists in Fin de siècle France and Italy explained crime, vagrancy, perversion, insanity, neurosis and genius"-- Provided by publisher.

"As the 19th century drew to a close, France and Italy experienced an explosion of crime, vagrancy, insanity, neurosis and sexual deviance. 'Misfits' in Fin de siècle France and Italy examines how the raft of self-appointed experts that subsequently emerged tried to explain this aberrant behavior and the many consequences this had. Susan Ashley considers why these different phenomena were understood to be interchangeable versions of the same inborn defects. The book looks at why specialists in newly-minted disciplines in medicine and the social sciences, such as criminology, neurology and sexology, all claimed that biological flaws--some inherited and some arising from illness or trauma--made it impossible for these 'misfits' to adapt to modern life. Ashley then goes on to analyse the solutions these specialists proposed, often distinguishing between born deviants who belonged in asylums or prisons and 'accidental misfits' who deserved solidarity and social support through changes to laws relating to issues like poverty and unemployment. The study draws on a comprehensive examination of contemporary texts and features the work of leading authorities like Cesare Lombroso, Jean-Martin Charcot, and Théodule Ribot, as well as investigators less known now but influential at the time. The comparative aspect also interestingly shows that experts collaborated closely across national and disciplinary borders, employed similar methods and arrived at common conclusions. This is a valuable study for all social and cultural historians of France and Italy and anyone interested in knowing more about the history of medicine in modern Europe"-- Provided by publisher.

1. In Spite of Evolution, Because of Modern Life

Part I. Mental Misfits

2. Geniuses

3. Lunatics

4. Neurotics

Part II. Social Misfits

5. Vagabonds

6. Criminals

7. Sexual Deviants

8. Singular Analogies.

Marginality, Social > France > History > 19th century.

Marginality, Social > Italy > History > 19th century.

Deviant behavior > Social aspects > France > History > 19th century.

Social medicine > France > History > 19th century.

Social sciences > France > History > 19th century.

HISTORY > Europe > France.

HISTORY > Europe > Italy.

HISTORY > Modern > 19th Century.

HISTORY > Social History.

Deviant behavior > Social aspects.

France > Social conditions > 19th century.

Italy > Social conditions > 1870-1918.