Historian Marie-Ève Thérenty has published a book titled "Femmes de presse, femmes de lettres," which explores the history of female journalists in France from the 19th century to 1944. Thérenty's research reveals that women played a significant role in shaping the journalism industry, despite being largely overlooked by history. Her investigation, made possible by the digitization of press archives, uncovered numerous female journalists who made significant contributions to the field. Thérenty's work aims to rectify the historical omission of these pioneering women.
Thérenty notes that the education and socialization of women during the 19th century differed significantly from those of men, influencing their approach to journalism. Women's roles in society were restricted, and their access to certain spaces, such as politics and economics, was limited. As a result, female journalists were often confined to specific sections, like family and fashion. However, this marginalization led to innovative and bold approaches to journalism. Thérenty argues that the constraints faced by women journalists fueled their creativity and distinct perspectives.
Delphine de Girardin, a prominent chronicler, exemplifies the "Pénélope" type of female journalist. Girardin, wife of Émile de Girardin, founder of La Presse, wrote a weekly column under the pseudonym Vicomte Charles de Launay from 1836 to 1848. Her domain was domestic life, Parisian society, and morals, which were considered traditional feminine topics. However, Girardin used her position to craft an ironic posture, allowing her to engage in public discourse and occasionally address politics. This type of journalism became popular during the 19th century and was later adopted by writers like Colette.
Another type of female journalist identified by Thérenty is the "Cassandre." These exceptional women, often from aristocratic or upper-bourgeois backgrounds, were economically independent and highly educated. They leveraged their status as perpetual minors to claim a form of superiority and independence. By embracing their supposed inferiority, they gained a prominent place in the press. Notable examples of "Cassandres" include George Sand, Marie d'Agoult, and Juliette Adam, who used their lyrical and apocalyptic voices to announce impending catastrophes.
Thérenty's research highlights the resourcefulness and determination of female journalists in 19th-century France. Despite facing significant obstacles, these women created new genres and approaches to journalism, often using pseudonyms and mythological references to establish their identities. Their contributions to the industry were substantial, yet their stories were largely forgotten until Thérenty's research brought them to light.
The book "Femmes de presse, femmes de lettres" offers a comprehensive panorama of female journalists in France from the 19th century to 1944. Thérenty's work underscores the importance of recognizing the achievements of these pioneering women, who paved the way for future generations of female journalists. By examining their experiences and innovations, Thérenty provides a nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between women, journalism, and society during this period.
Thérenty's study serves as a testament to the power of archival research and digitization in uncovering hidden histories. Her work has not only shed light on the lives and careers of individual female journalists but also challenged prevailing narratives about the history of journalism. As a result, Thérenty's research has significant implications for our understanding of the role of women in shaping the media landscape.
Key points
- Historian Marie-Ève Thérenty's research highlights the overlooked contributions of female journalists in 19th-century France.
- Female journalists like Delphine de Girardin and Juliette Adam created innovative approaches to journalism despite facing significant social and professional constraints.
- Thérenty's study underscores the importance of recognizing the achievements of pioneering female journalists in shaping the industry.
