The Representation of an Alternative Masculinity in the TV Series Ainsi soient-ils: Reflection of the Tensions between Conservatism and Progressivism within the Catholic Church? Cover Image

Représentation d’une masculinité alternative dans la série tv Ainsi soient-ils : reflet des tensions entre conservatisme et progressisme au sein de l’Eglise catholique ?
The Representation of an Alternative Masculinity in the TV Series Ainsi soient-ils: Reflection of the Tensions between Conservatism and Progressivism within the Catholic Church?

Author(s): Mathieu de Wasseige
Subject(s): Gender Studies, Media studies, Cultural Anthropology / Ethnology, Sociology of Culture, Film / Cinema / Cinematography, Sociology of Religion
Published by: ESSACHESS
Keywords: Catholic Church; tv series; alternative masculinity; Ainsi Soient-ils; inclusiveness;

Summary/Abstract: This article presents an analysis of the representation of masculinity in the series Ainsi soient-ils (ARTE, 2012-2015). The latter constitutes a particularly interesting example of varied and evolving masculinities within the French Catholic Church since it concentrates its choral hero in a Parisian seminar – an almost exclusively male environment. Through a textual analysis enlightened by interviews with a creator and combined with a reception study, we will also show that many concepts of masculinity studies find an echo in this series and that a plural, complex and evolutive masculinity is possible. Nevertheless, the latter does not seem (yet) to fall within the recognized categories.

  • Issue Year: 12/2019
  • Issue No: 24 (2)
  • Page Range: 147-163
  • Page Count: 16
  • Language: French