How Far Had a Liberal Society Developed, 1951-1979? Flashcards
Evidence of a Liberal Society
Sex Scandals
Sex scandals contributed to decline of deferential society (Profumo, 1963)
Gossip mainstay of tabloid press (Daily Mail, News of the World)
Evidence of a Liberal Society
Books
Sexual Behaviour in the Human Female, Alfred Kinsley
Undermined moral condemnation of sex before marriage, attitudes softening
Evidence of a Liberal Society
Relaxation of Censorship
1959 Obscene Publications Act, 1968 Theatres Act
Publication of ‘The Joy of Sex’, Dr Alex Comfort, 1972
Emmanuelle, soft porn film, 1974
Evidence of a Liberal Society
Divorce Reform
1969 Divorce Reform Act
Couples can seek ‘no fault’ divorce
1950 - 2.6 per 1000 marriages, 1980 - 11.9 per 1000
Evidence of a Liberal Society
Sexual Revolution
Generation gap
Family Planning Act 1974- all women entitled to free family planning advice + contraception on NHS
Schofield - 75% men 66% women virgins on wedding day by 1980s
Births outside marriage: 1950 - 5% total, 1980 - 12% total
Evidence of a Liberal Society
Liberal Legislation - Abortion
Abortion Act 1967 - up to 28 weeks
1967, 27,000 legal abortions, 1980, 140,000
80% in favour by 1980
Evidence of a Liberal Society
Liberal Legislation - Homosexuality
1967 Sexual Offences Act - over 21 in private
Supported by Archbishop of Canterbury and BMA
1971 - London’s first ‘Gay Pride’ March, 1,000 marchers, 1980, 15,000 attendees
Cultural icons - Bowie, Elton John
Evidence of Conservative Values
Limited Change for Majority
Swinging sixties predominantly middle class Londoners, mainly media construct
Geographic focus - Soho and Carnaby Street, London and South East there was most change
Evidence of Conservative Values
Schofield’s Study
The Sexual Behaviour of Young People (1969 +1971)
Promiscuity existed in teens, but was minority
Evidence of Conservative Values
Gorer’s Study
Sex and Marriage in England Today (1971)
Majority retained conservative views
Average age of marriage fell: 1946 - 25, 1970 - 23
Marriage rate: 1951 - 58 per 1000 men, 1971 - 81 per 1000
Evidence of Conservative Values
Reactions to Legislation
Support for abortion for health, but many morally objected
Access limited - consent of 2 (usually male) doctors needed
85% disapproved of homosexuality
Arrests for soliciting trebled 1967 to 1979
Evidence of Conservative Values
Opponents of Permissive Society
Thatcher attacked ‘permissiveness’, claimed ‘basic Christian values’ were ‘under attack’
Mary Whitehouse - ‘Clean Up TV’ campaign, 500,000 signatures, 1964
Merged into **‘National Viewers’ and Listeners’ Association’ **in 1965, over 100,000 supporters 1970s
National Festival of Light (1971) in Hyde Park, over 100,000
