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This edited collection explores dramatic transformations in intimate life in contemporary Ireland, including the introduction of both divorce and civil partnerships. Yet intimate politics remain contested and abortions must be obtained abroad. Ireland offers fascinating insights into the influence of the media, and shifting cultural and social norms. The chapters examine these changes with research by leading scholars.
List of contents
Introduction
Part 1: Family Change 1. Nuclear Fallout: Changing Demography and Families in Ireland 2. Performing Gender through Parenthood: Infertility as a Deviant Status in Contemporary Ireland 3. Intimacy as Democracy and the Notion of Autonomy in Irish Divorcees' Narratives
4. Irish Abortion Politics: Domestic and Transnational Tensions 5. Irish Motherhood Revisited
Part 2: Gender 6. Nine Year Old Boys and Girls: On Different Paths? 7. 'Deeds Not Words' Imagining the Irish Countrywomen's Association and Women's Civic Friendships 8. Gender and Senior Management in Irish Universities 9. A Tale of Two Eras: Women and Migration in Ireland 10. Marginally Central Geographies: Negotiating Gender and Sexuality within Ireland's Education Contexts
Part 3: Sexuality 11. Grá Gheal No More?: International Couples in Ireland 12. Making Camp in Ireland: The Annual Alternative Miss Ireland Contest and Narratives of Nation and Home 13. Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) in Ireland: A Feminist Perspective 14. Sexuality, Citizenship and Migration: A View from the Diaspora
About the author
Róisín Ryan-Flood is a Senior Lecturer in Sociology and Director of the Centre for Intimate and Sexual Citizenship (CISC) at the University of Essex. Her research interests include gender, sexuality, citizenship, kinship and critical epistemologies. She is the author of
Lesbian Motherhood: Gender, Families and Sexual Citizenship (Palgrave, 2009) and (with Rosalind Gill)
Secrecy and Silence in the Research Process: Feminist Reflections (Routledge, 2010), as well as numerous journal articles and book chapters. She recently completed an ESRC funded project on sexual citizenship and diaspora. Her current research explores the experiences of donor egg recipients. She is co-editor of the journal
Sexualities: Studies in Culture and Society (Sage).
Summary
This edited collection explores the dramatic transformations in intimate life that have taken place in Ireland in recent years. A new multiculturalism, availability of divorce and the introduction of civil partnership for same sex couples all herald significant changes in Irish life. Divorce and solo parenthood are no longer the taboos they once were. Women participate in employment after marriage in far greater numbers than ever before. Yet certain patterns of intimate life remain entrenched. Abortions must still be obtained abroad. Lengthy separations are required before divorce can be formalised. An emphasis on traditional family forms underpins people’s experiences of infertility and assisted reproduction. The contemporary landscape for intimate life in Ireland offers fascinating insights into new and old family forms, the influence of the media, and changing cultural and social norms. This edited book explores these changes in a collection of chapters by leading scholars showcasing cutting edge theory and research.
