The late twentieth century saw dramatic changes in attitudes to sex and relationships. The Pill, the legalisation of abortion, and the decriminalisation of homosexuality opened up new possibilities for sexual behaviour. Rates of divorce and remarriage increased; sex outside marriage became more common. These shifts generated new possibilities, but also caused people much inner turmoil.
Millions looked to magazine problem pages to help them negotiate this new world – but agony aunts were also operating in uncharted waters. They had to navigate legal boundaries and editorial restrictions, appeal to readers at a time of declining magazines, and still offer responsible guidance. This talk by Professor Tracey Loughran explores approaches to sex and relationships on problem pages between the 1960s and the 1990s, showing how and why agony aunts adapted to a changing society.
Tracey Loughran is Professor of History at the University of Essex. She researches women’s emotional, psychological, and bodily health in late twentieth-century Britain. Her work tries to explore the experiences of groups often marginalised in traditional histories.
This event will take place in-person at Leeds Central Library, Calverley Street, Leeds, Yorkshire LS1 3AB.
Refreshments at 5.30pm and the talk will begin at 6pm. To book a place, please visit: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/leedslibraryevents/t-yaedzyn
This is a public talk in memory of Katrina Honeyman, who was Professor of Social and Economic History and an esteemed and beloved colleague in the School of History, University of Leeds for many years. Professor Honeyman was a distinguished historian of women, industrialisation and business history, as well as an active mentor to women, postgraduates and early career scholars within the School.
This event is also part of CreativeMind – a programme of activities to promote positive health and wellbeing through art & creativity.
Image: Wiki Commons – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Germany license
