THE CREATION OF THE FRENCH METHOD: DISPUTES AROUND A TEACHING OBJECT IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION

ABSTRACT:

This study aims to investigate how the Règlement Général d’Éducation Physique, nationally known as the French Method, was developed in France. It goes through in search of new representations to understand this object, which, in its historicity, was marked by an eclectic philosophy. It dialogues with the assumptions of Cultural History (CERTEAU, 1994; CHARTIER, 2002) and Micro-history (GINZBURG, 1991; REVEL, 1998) to understand the peculiarities that have marked its constitution and the competition between individuals and institutions. In the process of developing the French Method, we can highlight eclecticism, an articulated power struggle of École de Joinville-le-Pont in order not to lose its representativeness historically built in the area. The institution has appropriated what they considered to be the best theses and elements in circulation about Physical Education - Swedish Method, Natural Method, Demeny Method, and English sports - reconciling them to obtain a vast system. Its genesis allows us to understand the disputes that occurred in France for its circulation and authority over the formative dimension of the French citizen related to the uses of the body, as well as in foreign countries, such as Brazil.

Keywords:
French Method; war of methods; eclecticism