Formalisering van informalisering. Veranderingen in omgangsvormen, vooral tussen de sexen in Nederland, 1930-1985

Samenvatting

Formalization of Informalization. This article is concerned with changes in the relationship between the sexes, based upon a comparative analysis of the etiquette books published in the Netherlands from 1930 to 1985. In this period there was a gap of approximately thirteen years (1966-1979) during which - with one exception - all publishing and reprinting activity on this subject ceased. During this gap in the tradition of etiquette books there was an upsurge in the publication of books on liberation and self-realization, coupled with a relative loosening of the behavioural codes and ideals. In recent years (since the eighties) there appears to be a tightening of these codes and ideals, in general as well as in the relationship between the sexes. These changes are presented as developments in the sense of informalization and formalization, aspects of civilizing processes. The article commences with a short explanation of the concept of informalization, proceeds with the presentation of the results of the comparative analysis of these publications, an d concludes that nowadays a (re)-formalization of the preceeding informalization is taking place, a stage in the long-term process of informalization.