Geneviève Guilpain and Agnès Pataux explore female celibacy in France across centuries

Two recent publications delve into the themes of celibacy within France's cultural history. Geneviève Guilpain's book, "Les Célibataires, des femmes singulières," explores the evolution of female celibacy from the 17th to 21st centuries, highlighting figures like Madeleine de Scudéry and Simone de Beauvoir. Guilpain argues that societal pressures have typically overshadowed female autonomy in choosing celibacy. Conversely, Agnès Pataux’s photo compilation "Célibataires" showcases black-and-white portraits of predominantly older men living alone, aiming to portray their everyday experiences. Reviews indicate that the societal implications of celibacy continue to provoke complex discussions about personal identity and traditional gender roles.