Sarah Maza, the Jane Long Professor in the Arts and Sciences and Professor of History, recently received the William Koren, Jr. Prize from the Society for French Historical Studies.
This prize is awarded to the most outstanding article on any period of French history published the previous year by a scholar appointed at a college or university in the United States or Canada.
Maza was recognized for her article titled “Toy Stories: Poupées, culture matérielle et imaginaire de classe dans la France du XIXe siècle.” Maza’s article examines how everyday objects like dolls instilled social norms and values while preparing middle-class girls for their future social roles in France.
“A theoretically rich exploration into the social imaginary, Maza’s article engages histories of childhood, material culture, and gender, highlighting how the ambiguous, troubling, and consequential relationship between the human and the inanimate, shapes modern identity. Brimming with insight, this is a rich, fascinating, entertaining, and original publication.” – Society for French Historical Studies