Jean-Baptiste André Godin (1817-1888) was a utopian industrialist who put into practice the ideal of social justice. He was the head of large foundry and factory in Guise and Brussels. He was self-taught and became a journalist, writer and politician as the Deputy for the Aisne Department.
He built a town of 2000 inhabitants called La Familistère close to his Guise factory (1859-84). This was influenced by the ideas of Charles Fourier. Fourier believed that interests and cooperation were the basis of social success. The Familistère was visited by influential people from France, England, Russia and the USA. This led to the formation of several Fouriériste schools in the US.
Godin was equally influenced by the utopian ideas of Henri de Saint-Simon, Étienne Cabet and Robert Owen.
The educational system of the Familistère was organised into three institutions: the crèche for children between 15 days and 4 years, nursery for those between 4 and 6 years, the primary school up to 13 years.
The schools were comprehensive and accessible to everyone without exception. In addition, the theatre had a programme of conferences and performances, whilst a public library beside the school completed Godin’s educational project.
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