One of the powers-that-be speaks!
Posted by Caroline on December 22, 1997 at 23:31:03:
In response to Attitudes on sex, written by irl on December 22, 1997 at 17:01:05
First of all, I see absolutely no reason for not discussing Lesley's original topic....which was, whether a statement by an author she had read could be applied to the attitudes which prevailed during Jane Austen's lifetime. I don't think that anyone has written anything offensive, but we have already strayed from the question.Perhaps we need to start again! If anyone wants to have their words deleted, it can be done by e-mailing me, or Myretta or Amy, or in fact almost anyone on the committee.
As far as I can see, the basic tenet of the statement was that:
When corsets and tight-lacings are in fashion (as in Jane Austen's girlhood) then society is more repressive/ protective of its womenfolk, and this results in more of the "nastier" side of behaviour.Conversely, when corsets are non-existent or much less restrictive,(As after about 1795) women are less restricted, and prostitution (as an example)decreases.
Can anyone find any evidence that there was a change in attitude towards women in general, and to "immoral" behaviour during her lifetime? A great many books give sweeping generalisations (a bit like the one Lesley quoted), but can anyone come up with some cold, hard, facts to argue the case, or its opposite? Most of you know (maybe Irl doesn't) that I have a tendancy, when faced with statements like..."Women never did..."A" or "They always thought ..."B" to react like the chorus of HMS Pinafore..."WHAT? NEVER?" It might be worthwhile to look at modern examples for comparison, and Irl has started to do that.
We've covered sensitive topics before, and in a sensible, ladylike/gentlemanlike manner...I don't see why we shouldn't continue to do so. I hope that makes things clear.;-)
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