Visions of filth : deviancy and social control in the novels of Galdós

This book explores how notions of deviancy and social control are dramatized in the novels of the late nineteenth-century Spanish realist author Benito P?rez Gald?s. Gald?s’s treatment of prostitutes, alcoholics, beggars and vagrants is studied within the context of the socio-cultural and medical debates circulating during the period. Drawing on Foucault’s very specific conceptualization of the idea of control through discourses, the book analyzes how Gald?s’s novels interacted with contemporary debates on poverty and deviancy – notably, discourses on hygiene, domesticity and philanthropy. It is proposed that Gald?s’s view of marginal social groups was much more open-minded, shrewd and liberal than the often inflexible pronouncements made by contemporary professional voices. "Visions of Filth explores how notions of deviancy and social control are dramatised in the novels of the late-nineteenth-century Spanish realist author Benito Perez Galdos. A link is made between deviancy and 'filth', a concept arising from the images of dirt, disease, immorality and disorder generated by social abnormality. Galdos's treatment of those groups of the population perceived as 'deviant', in particular prostitutes, alcoholics, beggars and vagrants, is studied within the context of the socio-cultural and medical debates circulating during the period. The issue of deviancy is also examined in relation to gender, by looking at the different attitudes adopted by both Galdos and by social and moral commentators of the time towards certain kinds of male and female deviancy. Drawing on Foucault's very specific conceptualisation of the idea of control through discourses, the book analyses how Galdos's novels interacted with contemporary debates on poverty and deviancy - notably, discourses on hygiene, domesticity and philanthropy. It is proposed that Galdos's view of marginal social groups was much more open-minded, shrewd and liberal than the often inflexible pronouncements made by contemporary professional voices. The establishment of a socio-historical and theoretical framework enables the reader to appreciate the significance of Galdos's critical focus and personal contribution to such discourses."--Jacket This Book Explores How Notions Of Deviancy And Social Control Are Dramatized In The Novels Of The Late 19th-century Spanish Realist Author Benito Perez Galdós. His Treatment Of Prostitutes, Alcoholics, Beggars And Vagrants Is Studied Within The Context Of The Socio-cultural And Medical Debates Circulating During The Period. 1. The Miasmas Of Poverty: The Lower Classes In 'una Visita Al Cuarto Estado' -- 2. The Control Of Prostitution -- Regulating Deviant Femininity: The Role Of Philanthropy -- Filth, Drains And Foul Odours In Fortunata Y Jacinta And Nazarin: The Discourse On Public Hygiene -- The Panoptic Strategy In The Convent Of Las Micaelas -- Fighting Filth Beyond The Walls Of Las Micaelas -- 3. The Drink Problem -- Drink And Social Stability: Discourses Of Power In Fortunata Y Jacinta -- Drink And Degeneration In Angel Guerra -- 4. The New Poor: Changing Attitudes To Poverty, Mendicity And Vagrancy -- The Deserving And Undeserving Poor In Angel Guerra -- Nazarin's Challenge: Begging And Indiscriminate Charity -- Halma: The Undeserving Poor Reconsidered -- Misericordia: Old And New Attitudes To Mendicity. Teresa Fuentes Peris. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [199]-212) And Index. This book explores how notions of deviancy and social control are dramatized in the novels of the late nineteenth-century Spanish realist author Benito Pérez Galdós. Galdós' treatment of prostitutes, alcoholics, beggars and vagrants is studied within the context of the socio-cultural and medical debates circulating during the period. Drawing on Foucault's very specific conceptualisation of the idea of control through discourses, the book analyses how Galdós's novels interacted with contemporary debates on poverty and deviancy - notably, discourses on hygiene, domesticity and philanthropy. It is proposed that Galdós' view of marginal social groups was much more open-minded, shrewd and liberal than the often inflexible pronouncements made by contemporary professional voices This book explores how notions of deviancy and social control are dramatized in the novels of the late nineteenth-century Spanish realist author Benito Pérez Galdós. Galdós's treatment of prostitutes, alcoholics, beggars and vagrants is studied within the context of the socio-cultural and medical debates circulating during the period. Drawing on Foucault's very specific conceptualisation of the idea of control through discourses, the book analyses how Galdós's novels interacted with contemporary debates on poverty and deviancy – notably, discourses on hygiene, domesticity and philanthropy. It is proposed that Galdós's view of marginal social groups was much more open-minded, shrewd and liberal than the often inflexible pronouncements made by contemporary professional voices.