The French series Mixte, also known as Voltaire High, offers more than a nostalgic trip to the early 1960s. It is set during a transformative time when a boys’ high school in France first opened its doors to girls. The show dives into the complex issues of sexism, inequality, and societal expectations. Available on Amazon Prime Video, this eight-episode drama created by Marie Roussin serves as a mirror to our current struggles with gender equality. It proves that the past has many lessons for the present.
A new beginning: Coeducation at Voltaire High
A historic first day
In September 1963, Voltaire High welcomes its first female students—a mere 11 girls entering a predominantly male school. The excitement among boys contrasts sharply with the apprehension of the girls and their families. While the boys gossip and objectify the new students, the girls face strict rules and scrutiny. That leads to their families worrying more about their behaviour than their education.
Institutional bias, as shown in the French series Mixte
The stark bias extends to the classroom, where teachers frequently overlook female students. Girls face harsher grading and are left with inadequate sports facilities—limited to a single climbing rope. This subtle but pervasive sexism teaches girls early on to accept inequality as part of their reality.
The burden of being female
Michèle’s struggles in the French series Mixte
Michèle Magnan, one of the 11 girls, faces humiliation when a prank leaves her drenched and exposed. Instead of holding the boys accountable, adults blame her for not covering up adequately. This incident highlights society’s tendency to place the burden of respectability on women while excusing male behaviour.
A patriarchal home
Michèle’s challenges extend beyond school. At home, her family expects her to focus on household duties and marriage rather than academics. This perpetuates the idea that a woman’s worth lies in serving others and reflects the weight of expectations on women.
Navigating rejection: A reality for women
Annick’s story
Annick Sabiani, the smartest among the girls, befriends Henri Pichon, a bullied boy. When Henri develops feelings for her, Annick’s polite rejections are met with verbal abuse and humiliation. Her experience highlights a common societal issue: the inability of some men to accept a woman’s “NO” as final.
Cultural reflections in the French series Mixte
Annick’s story echoes broader themes explored during the #MeToo movement. It showcases how women are often conditioned to avoid confrontation to protect themselves from backlash.
Sexism and homophobia across decades
Jeanne’s lavender marriage
Jeanne Bellanger, the school nurse, hides her lesbian identity within a marriage of convenience. Her struggles expose the harsh realities of homophobia and the lengths individuals go to for societal acceptance.
Camille’s financial dependence
Camille Couret, a new English teacher, fights for independence amid a divorce. Her delayed salary, controlled by her estranged husband, reveals the financial barriers women faced in the 1960s. This reality still affects many women today, particularly in traditional households.
The French Series Mixte: Lessons for today
The French series Mixte goes beyond retro aesthetics to explore enduring issues of sexism, inequality, and homophobia. Through its characters, the show reflects on how far society has come—and how much further it needs to go. From educational bias to financial control and societal scrutiny, Mixte presents a sobering reminder that the fight for equality is far from over.
Changeincontent’s perspective
At Changeincontent, we believe that storytelling like Mixte is a powerful tool for driving societal change. By shedding light on the enduring issues of sexism and inequality, we aim to inspire individuals and organisations to challenge biases and create inclusive spaces. Our mission is to amplify voices that advocate for fairness and equality in every sphere of life.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content, which we define broadly to include media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
