The Sexual Politics of Modern Ireland

Overview

Overview

How important was sex to people’s understanding of power, politics and policy in twentieth-century Ireland? This module explores the role of powerbrokers and stakeholders in the shaping of the sexual politics of modern Ireland. It asks questions about how power was mediated and framed in modern Ireland and why ideas of sex and morality were important. It examines the role of key players, such as the state, the law, the churches/voluntary organisations, campaigners and the media.

Central questions considered are: How did concepts regarding sex inform ideas of citizenship in Ireland? How did legislation shape people’s sexual relationships and sexual lives? What role did the churches play in the contemporary framing of sexual relationships? How did ideas about sex inform health and welfare policies? How did the law reinforce certain beliefs about sex and sexuality? How and why did a particular narrative about Irish sexual cultural as pathological and harmful emerge? Can we identify key moments of change in the sexual politics of twentieth-century Ireland?

Time, Date, and Place

This lecture-only module comprises of one lecture per week over one term, commencing the week beginning 22 September 2025. Lectures take place on the Trinity Campus.