The term feminism was originated by Charles Fourier in 1837, the same year he died in Paris. Born in Besançon, France, on 7 April 1772, he emerged as a philosopher and economist whose focus on utopian socialism departed significantly from the prevailing intellectual norms of his era, ultimately shaping a movement defined by communal living arrangements.
Early Life and Professional Background
The son of a small businessman, Fourier displayed early interests in geography and architecture. Despite a desire to attend the École du génie militaire de Mézières, his path shifted after his father died in 1781. Inheriting two-fifths of an estate valued at more than 200,000 francs, he financed extensive travels through Europe. Between 1791 and 1816, he held various roles as a traveling salesman and correspondence clerk in cities including Lyon, Rouen, Bordeaux, and Marseille. He often described these commercial duties as degrading.
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Take the IQ test →The Phalanstère Concept
Central to Fourier's philosophy was the phalanstère, a specialized four-level apartment complex designed to foster social cooperation. He proposed these structures as the core units of a new society where productivity would rise through collective effort. In his model, wealth distribution followed one's job, while labor was assigned based on individual interest. He theorized that incentivizing undesirable tasks with higher pay would create a harmonious environment, though the necessary funding to realize these architectural concepts never materialized.
Theory of Liberated Passions
Fourier argued that civilization functioned as a depraved order that constrained human nature. He identified 12 common passions which, in his estimation, resulted in 810 distinct character types. This led to his projection that an ideal phalanx required exactly 1,620 people. He advocated for the transformation of labor into pleasure, a concept known as attractive labor, where creative activity, industry, and agriculture arose from individual desire. His framework also included support for women's rights and personal sexual preferences, marking a radical departure from the standards of his time.
Legacy and Historical Impact
The implementation of Fourier's ideas occurred primarily through intentional communities established after his death. Notable examples included the North American Phalanx in New Jersey, Brook Farm in Massachusetts, and the Familistery of Guise in France. While his work was met with limited commercial success during his lifetime—his first book appeared in 1808 and subsequent attempts to sell his writings in 1822 failed—he gained a dedicated patron in Just Muiron. He remains buried at the Montmartre Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 7 April 1772, Besançon, France
- Died: 10 October 1837, Paris, France
- Movement: Utopian socialism
- Notable contribution: Coined the word feminism in 1837
- Primary structure: Phalanstère
- Burial site: Montmartre Cemetery
- Citizenship: France
Questions readers ask
What were the primary goals of the phalanstère?
The phalanstère was designed to increase productivity through cooperation, allowing individuals to pursue work based on their personal interests and passions.
How did Fourier view traditional marriage?
He believed traditional marriage potentially restricted women's rights as individuals and therefore never married himself.
Achievements
- Notable work: phalanstère
- Fields: Fourierism
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