Rituals of schooling and gender

Abstract

This article discusses ritual as an element that intensifies gender realities. It analyzes ritualistic statements in the pedagogical discourse of school education in nineteenth century Italy. The analysis understands the performative character of rituals; pedagogy as disciplinary practice; and the role of performative action in the production of subjects of gender. The analysis focuses on: the relationship between ritual and disciplinary practices; the ritual scene; the role of the family in the ritual of passage; the affirmation of gender in reception rituals; and the myths of femininity presented in the ritual of the lesson.