Regulating Sexuality Women in Twentieth-century Northern Ireland

by McCormick, Leanne

• ISBN13: 9780719076640
• ISBN10: 0719076641
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2010-01-15
• Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PR

Summary

This is a groundbreaking examination of the attempts to regulate female sexuality in twentieth-century Northern Ireland, which opens up new and exciting areas of a previously neglected history. A wide-ranging study, it explores the sexual experiences of women in the context of the distinctive religious, political and social circumstances of Northern Ireland during the twentieth century. The commonality of attitudes of the Catholic Churches toward the control of female sexuality is revealed, along with the similarity of views concerning female behavior. While the ways in which various authorities tried to control female behavior are explored, it is also argued that women were not simply victims, but employed a variety of survival strategies and active agency, no matter how difficult their circumstances were. This work will appeal not only to an academic audience but also to non-academic readers interested in a new and exciting view of Northern Ireland's past.

Author Biography

Leanne McCormick is a Research Associate at the Centre for the History of Medicine in Ireland, University of Ulster.

Table of Contents

Abbreviations * Acknowledgements * List of Figures * Note on Terminology * Introduction * ‘Dirty Girls and Bad Houses’: Prostitutes and Prostitution * ‘Angels Who Have Lost Their Way’: The Work of Rescue and Reform Homes * ‘Modesty is the Sister of Virtue’: Moral Prevention Work With Girls * ‘People Should Keep a Grip on Themselves’: Treatment and Prevention of VD * ‘One Yank and They’re Off’: Interaction Between  US Troops and Northern Irish Won*   ‘'Confused with Prejudice and Muddled Thinking’: Preventing Pregnancy * Conclusion