Other disciplined bodies. Gender relationships and self-control strategies of the feminine body (first third of 20th century)

Abstract

This article analyses the changing of ways of regulating human behaviours by codes of honour to ways of defending dignity by new values related to the body, health and the physical aspect through the life histories of two women. The shift from the feminine subjection to the arbitrary tyranny of patriarchal authority to the development of a new rationality based on submission and self-control of the body and instincts are also focused on. Feminine involvement in the implementation of these new ways of social control are analysed aswell.