McLoughlin, Dympna (1994) Women and Sexuality in Nineteenth Century Ireland. Irish Journal of Psychology, 15 (2-3). pp. 266-275. ISSN 0303-3910

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Abstract

As in Europe generally, there was a spectacular range of sexual relationships in 19th century Ireland, thus challenging the stereotype of a country of exceptional chastity and prudery. Economic factors played a pivotal role in Irish women’s sexual expression. Women of property had to be very circumspect in their behaviour. Women of different classes and circumstances could behave differently in entering short- or long-term liaisons, with men of their own or indeed higher social class. These women essentially drew up their own sexual contracts. However, by the late 19th century, there was less and less tolerance of sexual diversity and of women initiating their own destiny. This period (1880s +) witnessed the triumph of respectability. Henceforth, there was only one acceptable life path for normal women – marriage and motherhood – and a diminishing tolerance for any type of sexual diversity.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Women; Sexuality; Ireland; Nineteenth century; Marriage;
Academic Unit:	Faculty of Arts & Humanities > History
Item ID:	3536
Depositing User:	Dympna McLoughlin
Date Deposited:	14 Mar 2012 16:12
Journal or Publication Title:	Irish Journal of Psychology
Publisher:	Psychological Society of Ireland
Refereed:	Yes
URI:
Use Licence:	This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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