The Norm-Deviation Model Reconsidered: Four Cases of 'Alternative' Sexual Morals Judged by the Inquisition

Author: Zbíral, David

Source: Journal of Religion in Europe, Volume 3, Number 2, 2010 , pp. 215-240(26)

Publisher: BRILL

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Abstract:

The inquisitional register of Jacques Fournier from the years 1318-1325, well known thanks to the book Montaillou by Emmanuel Le Roy Ladurie, reaches far beyond the topic of heresy. It encompasses various details about the common life, including sexuality and sexual morals. This case study reconsiders the normdeviation model on the basis of four Fournier's trials dealing with sexual morals: that of Beatrix of Lagleize, Peter Vidal, Arnold of Verniolles, and Grazida Lizier. Sexual morals of these four people are certainly very different from the morals required by Jacques Fournier, but they are rather independent systems and norms than simple deviations from another system or norm, i.e. the official sexual morals. The paper suggests that the norm-deviation model distorts the field of medieval sexual morals.

Keywords: SEXUAL MORALS; SEXUALITY; NORM-DEVIATION MODEL; INQUISITION; REGISTER OF JACQUES FOURNIER

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/187489210X501518

Publication date: 2010-06-01