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Eve in Ireland: Controlling and Silencing Irish Women, 1922-1972, by Ailish McFadden
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€24.95
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A searing account of the subjugation of Irish women in the middle of the 20th century.
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64519
Eve in Ireland explores the political and cultural structures used to control Irish women between 1922 and 1972. It challenges the reader to reflect on a shameful and degrading aspect of Ireland’s social history, one whose impact is still being felt by many. A unique integration of historical research, original photographic material, archival images, official Catholic doctrine, Irish Government statements, women’s studies and feminist research, Eve in Ireland will touch the hearts of many, and may aid healing for generations of Irish women and their children.
These were women who were required to give up paid employment when they got married; who could not refuse sex with their husbands as to do so was a ‘sin’; who could not avoid pregnancy as contraception was banned in order to produce legions of children for Holy Catholic Ireland; who were pressured to surrender their babies if they produced them when unwed; and who dutifully passed on the faith to the next generation, while the Church–State alliance allowed thousands of children to be abused in religious institutions. These were women who dropped to their knees nightly to say the rosary and had to bite their tongue every time something needed to be said. Many went to the doctor to get tablets for ‘the nerves’ or, worse still, could be detained in an institution for highly questionable reasons. These were women who could have been left destitute after a husband’s death if he chose to leave everything to a favourite nephew.
Eve in Ireland explores the lived experiences of Irish women that have left deep scars on their psyche, their children and society. The ghosts of our shared past must be heard for Ireland to reach full maturity as a democratic nation. This is our history, and our children’s history.
About the Author
Ailish McFadden has worked for decades as an occupational therapist in child and family mental health and related services. Ailish is committed to documenting the lived experiences of Irish women over the last 100 years. She lives in County Kildare.
More Information
| Author | McFadden, Ailish |
|---|---|
| Print Format | Paperback |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1-0686645-1-9 |
| Illustrations | 100 colour plates |
| Date of Publication | October 10, 2024 |
| Number of Pages | 200 |
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