'Chimeras That Degrade Humanity': The Cagots And Discrimination

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Abstract

The cagots were a poorly understood marginalised group found on both sides of the western Pyrenees. They started to become prominent from the thirteenth century before largely disappearing in the twentieth century. This paper describes a curious incident in Biarritz in 1721. To explain what happened, it gallops over 500 years of history to examine the reasons cagots faced discrimination. In doing so it considers the ambiguity of medieval leprosy, the rise of the persecuting society, changing attitudes to poverty, defiled trades, the birth of racism, Jews and violence, Gypsies and assimilation, honour and pollution and conflict between communities and the state.

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Key takeaways

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1. Cagots were marginalized due to compounded stigma surrounding poverty, leprosy, and ethnicity over 500 years.
2. The Biarritz incident in 1721 highlighted longstanding discriminatory practices against cagots.
3. Cagots, comprising around 2% of the population, were endogamous and prohibited from many societal interactions.
4. Discrimination against cagots evolved from leprosy accusations to racialized justifications during the sixteenth century.
5. Historiography reveals cagots' status as victims of structural discrimination rather than mere bureaucratic oppression.

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References (166)

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What explains the marginalisation of the cagot community throughout history?add

Cagots faced discrimination due to a complex interplay of social stigmas related to poverty, hereditary leprosy, and derogatory ethnic labels, solidifying their outcast status over centuries.

How were legal rulings significant in changing cagot status in society?add

In 1723, the Parlement of Bordeaux defended cagot rights, allowing them participation in public life, marking a crucial shift towards their social acceptance after centuries of discrimination.

What were the primary occupations of cagots and how did they influence their status?add

Cagots were primarily carpenters, a trade perceived as lowly yet necessary, leading both to ongoing marginalisation and community integration despite historical segregation.

When did the term 'cagot' become prevalent and what implications did it carry?add

By the sixteenth century, 'cagot' emerged as a derogatory term, associating individuals with leprosy and social exclusion, reflecting a transition from earlier, less stigmatized identities.

How did the historic treatment of cagots compare to other marginalized groups?add

While cagots experienced social stigmatization, their treatment was less violent and oppressive than that faced by Jews or Gypsies, highlighting a unique pattern of marginalization based on perceived similarities.

Daniel B HawkinsaddFollowmailMessage

MA Early Modern History from Kings College London MA Natural Sciences from University of Cambridge

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