Histoire des mentalités

Brigitte Rochelandet is a French historian, university lecturer, trainer and author whose work explores the history of mentalities and the origins of social injustice. Guided by the belief that understanding how injustice began and evolved is essential to challenging it, she examines women’s experiences and the ways they have been represented across the centuries. Her subjects include witchcraft, infanticide, prostitution, crime, religion, sexuality, love, aging, death and violence, with particular attention to violence against women and its historical legitimisation.

Rochelandet shares her research through books, university and public lectures, training, and historical commentary. Her publications include work on the history of violence against women and Besançon au féminin, which brings attention to women who have been overlooked or disparaged in historical accounts. She also leads guided walks in Besançon, using details of the city to discuss how urban spaces have often been designed without women in mind. Her website features articles, conference information, a bibliography and resources on historical figures and cases, including witch trials and the writings of Olympe de Gouges.