Seasonal variations on some Mediterranean themes

Abstract

Many writers have attempted to link climate to social behaviour. "The French, perhaps because their country embraces: such diverse climates - but perhaps also because they have a penchant for grand theories - have given t'his: interesting subject considerable attention. The ideas of Mauss, and Braudel have been particularly significant. Mauss (1904) examined the impact of seasonal variation on the social life of the Eskimo. He showed how the starkly contrasting summer and winter seasons are accompanied by equally distinct patterns of social behaviour. While the details of this difference need not concern us here, the seasonal variation of social behaviour he demonstrated does. Braudel (1949) reworked this theme in a specifically Mediterranean context. In his classic study of the Mediterranean world in the age of Philip II he demonstrated that the economic, social and political life of Mediterranean societies in the 16th century was strongly influenced by the seasons. Winter was a time of hardship and rest. In contrast, summer was a period of hyperactivity. Four centuries have passed since Philip II reigned. During this period man has become more independent of seasonal constraints. In what measure has this independence affected the relation between seasons and social behaviour in the societies on the North shore of the Mediterranean?