Group 1: Prostituton and Sexuality

In the nineteenth century, England was embracing a shift toward technological jobs following the Industrial Revolution. Women of all ages started to procure jobs outside of their homes, working in factories, textile mills, and more. However, these jobs were incredibly demanding and gave little pay for their work, so many women were forced to turn to prostituton to provide for themselves and their families (Aiken, n.d). As prostitution became more common, so did sexually transmitted diseases. Between 1864 and 1896, three versions of The Contagious Diseases Act were created. The acts allowed the government to “stop and detain any woman identified as a prostitute and force her submission to an examination with the intent of identifying whether the woman in question suffered from a venereal disease” (Aiken, n.d.). Women who were identified as having the disease were held in the hospital until the disease was cured.

While some construed this as an attempt to protect women in prostituion, others claimed the forced examinations were a violation of basic human rights. The Ladies’ National Association, led by social reformer Josephine Butler, created a strong protest movement against the acts (UK Parliament, n.d.). The group “condemned the acts and fought hard for a repeal against them” and “rallied together to speak out against the acts” (Aiken, n.d). In 1886, the act was finally appealed thanks to the protestors. 

The acts versus protestors show a great shift in attitudes at the time. While recognizing prostitution, the government was trying to limit it and take control over women’s bodies. This fits into the more traditional mold of the time, where women are supposed to be sexless beings that stay at home. However, with more agency as workers, women are starting to take more agency over their own rights, as well. This huge movement shows the shift from traditional values to more progressive ones. While prostiution was, and still is, stigmatized, women were starting to speak out for their own rights and get action from it. 

More info: https://www.bl.uk/romantics-and-victorians/articles/gender-roles-in-the-...

Aiken, Diane. “Victorian Prostitution.” British Literature Wiki, sites.udel.edu/britlitwiki/victorian-prostitution/. 

UK Parliament. Regulating Sexual Behaviour: the 19th Century. www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/transformingsociety/private-live...