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. 

Course Fees

€85 full rate, €60 concession rate. The concession rate is available to all those retired, over 65s and those on a government pension/payment plan and the unwaged, including second and third level students.

Apply

Enrolments for this course will open in mid-August at: www.histories-humanities.tcd.ie/shortcourses

You may apply online or by telephone as follows:

Online: Register and pay by credit/debit card online after enrolments open at: www.histories-humanities.tcd.ie/shortcourses

By telephone: Text ‘APPLY FOR COURSE’ to +353 (0)87 2572015 and you will receive a call back to confirm your registration. The phone will be busy during the application period so responses may be delayed. Please do not call to enroll for this course.

Get in Touch

Telephone Number

+353 (0)1 896 8589 or TEXT 087 257 2015

hhextra@tcd.ie