The Magdalenes

Prostitution in the Nineteenth Century

Nonfiction, History, Modern, 19th Century, Reference & Language, Reference
Cover of the book The Magdalenes by Linda Mahood, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Linda Mahood ISBN: 9781136247828
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: June 26, 2013
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Linda Mahood
ISBN: 9781136247828
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: June 26, 2013
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

The nineteenth century witnessed a discursive explosion around the subject of sex. Historical evidence indicates that the sexual behaviour which had always been punishable began to be spoken of, regulated, and policed in new ways. Prostitutes were no longer dragged through the town, dunked in lakes, whipped and branded. Medieval forms of punishment shifted from the emphasis on punishing the body to punishing the mind.

Building on the work of Foucault, Walkowitz, and Mort, Linda Mahood traces and examines new approached emerging throughout the nineteenth century towards prostitution and looks at the apparatus and institutions created for its regulation and control. In particular, throughout the century, the bourgeoisie contributed regularly to the discourse on the prostitution problem, the debate focusing on the sexual and vocational behaviour of working class women. The thrust of the discourse, however, was not just repression or control but the moral reform – through religious training, moral education, and training in domestic service – of working class women.

With her emphasis on Scottish 'magdalene' homes and a case study of the system of police repression used in Glasgow, Linda Mahood has written the first book of its kind dealing with these issues in Scotland. At the same time the book sets nineteenth-century treatment of prostitutes in Scotland into the longer run of British attempts to control 'drabs and harlots', and contributes to the wider discussion of 'dangerous female sexuality' in a male-dominated society.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The nineteenth century witnessed a discursive explosion around the subject of sex. Historical evidence indicates that the sexual behaviour which had always been punishable began to be spoken of, regulated, and policed in new ways. Prostitutes were no longer dragged through the town, dunked in lakes, whipped and branded. Medieval forms of punishment shifted from the emphasis on punishing the body to punishing the mind.

Building on the work of Foucault, Walkowitz, and Mort, Linda Mahood traces and examines new approached emerging throughout the nineteenth century towards prostitution and looks at the apparatus and institutions created for its regulation and control. In particular, throughout the century, the bourgeoisie contributed regularly to the discourse on the prostitution problem, the debate focusing on the sexual and vocational behaviour of working class women. The thrust of the discourse, however, was not just repression or control but the moral reform – through religious training, moral education, and training in domestic service – of working class women.

With her emphasis on Scottish 'magdalene' homes and a case study of the system of police repression used in Glasgow, Linda Mahood has written the first book of its kind dealing with these issues in Scotland. At the same time the book sets nineteenth-century treatment of prostitutes in Scotland into the longer run of British attempts to control 'drabs and harlots', and contributes to the wider discussion of 'dangerous female sexuality' in a male-dominated society.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Theories of Justice by Linda Mahood
Cover of the book Rewriting the History of Madness by Linda Mahood
Cover of the book Same Sex, Different Cultures by Linda Mahood
Cover of the book Terrorism and Counterterrorism by Linda Mahood
Cover of the book Global Justice Movement by Linda Mahood
Cover of the book Lesbians, Levis, and Lipstick by Linda Mahood
Cover of the book Revival: Science and Religion (1935) by Linda Mahood
Cover of the book How to Tell God from the Devil by Linda Mahood
Cover of the book Managing Performance Improvement by Linda Mahood
Cover of the book Hometown Chinatown by Linda Mahood
Cover of the book Plato's Use of Fallacy (RLE: Plato) by Linda Mahood
Cover of the book The Morning Chronicle Survey of Labour and the Poor by Linda Mahood
Cover of the book Learning and Teaching Early Math by Linda Mahood
Cover of the book The Social Organization of Exile by Linda Mahood
Cover of the book Adam Ferguson: Philosophy, Politics and Society by Linda Mahood
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy