When “gym teachers” were naturists: Nature in support of education in times of crisis (1936–1948)

The period 1936–1948 is rich in both crises and ruptures. However, this period is not free from continuities. The use of nature in school physical education programs is one illustration of this. Starting from this first observation, the objective is to examine the place and the role given to nature within the school, in particular in physical education. More precisely, what attention was paid to the discourses and practices of those who advocated a return to nature, i.e., naturists? Among the range of existing naturist proposals, what choices did school stakeholders make? From this perspective, a large body of sources (official texts, journals, period books) was used. Concerning the results, we will show that naturist theses and practices were essential within school physical education during this period of crisis. However, these did not escape a process of school selection and transposition. They were thus put at the service of very different educational uses underpinning antagonistic political and cultural projects. Whatever the case, the naturism of Hébert and Dr. Carton played a key role.