Theme 3 a 2 - The emergence of the liberal society 1951-79 Flashcards

Question 1

Q

When was the Obscene Publications Act?

Answer

A

1959

Question 2

Q

What did the Obscene Publications Act do?

When was the law extended to include films?

Answer

A

<ul> <li>Allowed 'serious works of art' to use 'obscene' words and imagery.</li></ul>

<ul> <li>It reorganised a greater public openness to sexual imagery but only at an elite level.</li></ul>

<ul> <li>1977- the law was extended to include films.</li></ul>

Question 3

Q

When was the Suicide Act enforced?

Answer

A

1961

Question 4

Q

What did the 1961 Suicide Act do?

Answer

A

Decriminalized the act of suicide in England & Wales- so that those who failed in the attempt to kill themselves could no longer be prosecuted.

Question 5

Q

When was the Murder Act (abolition of the death penalty) enforced?

Answer

A

1965

Question 6

Q

What did the 1965 Murder Act do?

Answer

A

<ul> <li>Abolished the death penalty.</li></ul>

<ul> <li>Last person to be hanged- Britain- Ruth Ellis, 1955.</li></ul>

<ul> <li>Passed- majority of MPshad been convinced by a long campaign carried out by politicians- majority of British public remained in favour of capital punishment.</li></ul>

Question 7

Q

When was the Sexual Offences Act?

Answer

A

1967

Question 8

Q

What did the Sexual Offences Act do?

Answer

A

<ul> <li>Decriminalised homosexual acts in private between two men over 21.</li></ul>

<ul> <li>Support for law grew- not because homosexuality was being accepted- due to many seeing being gay as an illness, (underminded view that it should be a punishable crime.)</li></ul>

Question 9

Q

When was the Abortion Act put in place?

Answer

A

1967

Question 10

Q

What did the Abortion Act, 1967 do?

Answer

A

<ul> <li>Legalised abortions- provided through NHS.</li></ul>

<ul> <li>Act- introduced by David Steel.</li></ul>

<ul> <li>During debate- steel focussed on high number - deaths & injuries- resulted from dangerous 'back street' abortions, (roughly 40 deaths- 1966)- rather than moral issue of abortion.</li></ul>

Question 11

Q

When was the Family Planning Act enforced?

Answer

A

1967

Question 12

Q

What did the Family Planning Act do?

Answer

A

Made the pill available on the NHS.

Question 13

Q

When was the Theatres Act introduced?

Answer

A

1968

Question 14

Q

What did the Theatres Act do?

Answer

A

<ul> <li>Abolished censorship in the theatre.</li></ul>

<ul> <li>Allowed British Board of Film Directors to allow screening of some films with sexual content before 1977.</li></ul>

Question 15

Q

When was the Divroce Reform Act enforced?

Answer

A

1969

Question 16

Q

What did the 1969 Divorce Reform Act do?

Answer

A

<ul> <li>Allowed couples to divorce after they had been separated for two years (or 5 if only one wanted a divorce).</li></ul>

<ul> <li>Marriage could be ended if it had irretrievably broken down, neither partner had to prove 'fault'.</li></ul>

Question 17

Q

Why were the laws not necessarily evidence for a more liberal society?

(4)

Answer

A

<ul> <li>Demand for laws- didn't come from people, came from MPs- Roy Jenkins supported many liberal reforms.</li> <li>Often- laws =the result of long campaigns- had existed far before 'swinging sixties'- pressure for reform, homosexuality- went back (1890).</li></ul>

<ul> <li>Laws went against the views of British Public.</li></ul>

<ul> <li>Laws- passed due to impractical consequences of current legislation than moral issues.</li></ul>

Question 18

Q

Give an example of how the laws went against the views of the British Public?

Answer

A

<ul> <li>Majority of people- remained in favour - capital punishment after 1965 Murder Act.</li></ul>

<ul> <li>Support for it grew- mid 60s- due to public horror at crimes of the Moors Murderers (Hindley and Brady).</li></ul>

<ul> <li>1945, just over 60% had favoured death penalty, rose to 70% by 1970.</li></ul>

Question 19

Q

Give an example of an Act where the law was passed due to the impractical consequences of current legislation than due to moral issues?

Answer

A

Abortion Act- passed to limit number of deaths/ injuries due to backstreet abortions.

Question 20

Q

Give some examples of how Britain experienced more liberal attitudes towards sex, marriage and divorce between 1951- 79?

Answer

A

<ul> <li>WW2- underminded traditional values by separating husbands and wives, promoting sex outside marriage & encouraging divorce- divorces peaked 1947.</li> <li>Post war books- helped promote more liberal attitudes towards sexuality.</li> <li>Pill introduced- 1961 & 1 million women used it by 1967. Condom- became thinner, pre-lubed- more accepted & available. Available in Boots (1966).</li> <li>Alfred Kinglsy's book, Sexual Behaviour In the Human Female- undermined moral condemnation of sex before marriage.</li> <li>People- more tolerant of sex before marriage- by 1990, less than 1% of first sexual intercourse took place after marriage.</li></ul>

Question 21

Q

Give evidence against Britain experiencing more liberal attitudes towards sex, marriage and divorce between 1951-70?

Answer

A

<ul> <li>Sexual textbooks & pamphlets -been in circulation prior to 60s, most popular, Love Without Fear ~ Eustace Chesser.</li></ul>

<ul> <li>Two major studies- The Sexual Behaviour of Young People (1965)- Michael Scofield & Sex and Marriage in England Today (1971)- Geoffrey Gorer- suggest notions, of 'sexual revolution' = exaggerated.</li></ul>

<ul> <li>The Sexual Behaviour Of Young People- found 18% girls, 10% of boys in sample of teens had had sex with more than 3 people, only 17% girls, 33% boys had sex before age of 19.</li></ul>

<ul> <li>Sex and Marriage in England Today- found 96% women and 95% men were married before 45 & average age of marriage for women fell below 23 in 1970, down from 25, 1946.</li></ul>

Question 22

Q

In a nutshell- what was the period of the 1950-60s like & what seemed to change?

Answer

A

<ul> <li>Sawunprecedented increase in affluence, leisure time and consumer choice for British people.</li> <li>Rising living standards & spending power and attitudes towards deference &authority changed.</li> <li>Ideas about class, notions of propriety and morality as established ideas about sexuality, marriage, abortion and homosexuality = challenged.</li> <li>Unprecedented (not done before) reform of laws- which has restricted private lives & development of more liberal and tolerant society where differences between people- no longer suspect but celebrated.</li></ul>

Question 23

Q

What was there a growth of- those who had anxieties about the pace of social change ?

Answer

A

Growth of materialism and consumerism.

Question 24

Q

Decline of deference

<ul> <li>What is deference?</li> <li>An end to rationing in 1954 and relaxation of consumer credit resulted in what for working-class households?</li> <li>What became challenged and what did people question?</li></ul>

Answer

A

<ul> <li>Deference- 'Polite submission & respect.'</li> <li>Enabled working-class households- enjoy level of prosperity they couldn't have dreamt of earlier.</li> <li>Traditional ideas about community, social class & social mobility = increasingly challenged.</li> <li>People- question the class system- from a place of prosperity, surrounded by comforts that consumer capitalism could afford them.</li></ul>

Question 25

Q

Decline- deference

<ul> <li>What did television and cinema expose audiences to?</li></ul>

<ul> <li>What did writers and filmmakers do?</li></ul>

<ul> <li>What did tabloid newspapers do?</li></ul>

Answer

A

<ul> <li>Exposed audiences to satirical entertainment which ridiculed ideas about social class.</li></ul>

<ul> <li>Writers and filmmakers questioned the class system.</li></ul>

<ul> <li>Tabloid newspapers- exposed scandals involving the ruling classes.</li></ul>

Question 26

Q

The 'satire boom'

In 1960, what subversive and popular stage show played to packed audiences?

What did it attract fierce controversy for?

Answer

A

'Beyond the fringe'

<ul> <li>Making fun of Britains establishment: the government, army and the upper classes.</li></ul>

Question 27

Q

'Satire boom'

<ul> <li>The satirical TV programme, 'That was the week that was' combined what?</li></ul>

<ul> <li>It was the first time that the British public had seen what and what did it represent?</li></ul>

Answer

A

<ul> <li>Combined satirical humour with interviews of leading politicians.</li></ul>

<ul> <li>Seen elite political figures on TV being questioned rigorously by journalists- it represented a clear change in public attitudes towards authority.</li></ul>

Question 28

Q

Sex scandals

<ul> <li>What was a large scandal that emerged?</li> <li>What had happened prior to the scandal of sexual indiscretions of politicians, royal family and other establishment figures?</li> <li>Where was the 1963 Profumo scandal featured?</li></ul>

Answer

A

<ul> <li>Minister of war, John Profumo was sharing a 19 year old sex partner, Chritine Keeler with soviet ( Yevgeny Ivanov).</li></ul>

<ul> <li>Ignored by powerful press Barons.</li></ul>

<ul> <li>Front pages of the Mirror, News Of The World, Daily Express & Daily Mail.</li></ul>

Question 29

Q

Profumo Sex Scandal

What were people shocked about?

What do people believe the scandal led to?

Why was the scandal significant?

Answer

A

<ul> <li>Shocked by revelations of sexual activity- especially as he denied behaviour then later admitted to it.</li> <li>Believe scandal led to defeat of gov, by 4 seats, in 1964 General Election.</li> <li>People shocked- members of establishment indulging in seedy practises- routinely lied about involvement until caught.</li> <li>People realised leaders- didn't deserve peoples trust purely by virtue of position.</li></ul>

Question 30

Q

1950s attitudes towards sex

<ul> <li>What did the state have a role in regulating?</li> <li>By 1949, how much of the population had recieved any kind of sex education?</li></ul>

Answer

A

Regulating private sexual behaviour- particularly homosexuality.

Less that 1/ 10.

Question 31

Q

From the 1930s onwards there was a growing demand for advice books about sex.

Give an example of one.

How many copies were sold by 1964?

Answer

A

<ul> <li>Eustace Chessers 1941 book, 'Love Without Fear.'</li></ul>

<ul> <li>It explained that both men and women could enjoy sex.</li></ul>

<ul> <li>3 million copies had been sold by 1964.</li></ul>

Question 32

Q

What argument is there for Britain not experiencing a sexual revolution in the 1960s?

Answer

A

<ul> <li>Sexual behaviour had been steadily changing throughout the century.</li> <li>If any revolution took place amongst British public, it was a revolution in how open/ explicit they were willing to be in discussing sex.</li></ul>

Question 33

Q

1960s attitudes towards sex

What did The Sexual Behaviour of Young People - published in 1965, based on 2000 teenagers uncover?

Answer

A

<ul> <li>1 in 3 boys and 1 in 6 girls between 16-19 had had sex.</li></ul>

<ul> <li>Nearly all of those that had were in established relationships and were not promiscuous.</li></ul>

Question 34

Q

The Media

How did Britains newspaper industry play an important role in the dissemination (spreading) of sexual ideas?

Answer

A

<ul> <li>During age- mass consumerism- advertisers paid to place advertisements in the tabloid press- knowing would reach large audience.</li></ul>

<ul> <li>Tabloid sex scandals & dicussion of sex in news articles & features- not only captured large readership- but associated sex with celebrity and consumerism.</li></ul>

<ul> <li>Many advertisements featured sexual allure as sales technique - sell products.</li></ul>

Question 35

Q

Sexuality and the state

<ul> <li>In 1957, following pressure from church groups and moral campaigners, what report did the Macmillan government publish?</li> <li>What did the report say?</li></ul>

Answer

A

<ul> <li>Wolfenden Report</li> <li>Report- said there had been a decline in 'morality' since the war & family life had been weakened.</li></ul>

Question 36

Q

Sexuality and the state

<ul> <li>What did Lord Wolfenden believe about prostitution laws and homosexuality and what were his reasonings behind his views?</li></ul>

<ul> <li>What did this mean the state could and couldn't police?</li></ul>

Answer

A

<ul> <li>Believe- law against prostitution- should be made harsher,it being a public display of 'immorality'.</li></ul>

<ul> <li>Homosexual activity- between consenting adults over 21, in private, should be decriminalised- as male homosexuality- was hidden, took place behind closed doors.</li> <li>Meant state could police public acts of sexuality- but had no right to regulate private life.</li></ul>

Question 37

Q

Changing attitudes to homosexuality

Evidence for-

What did the high-profile trial of Lord Montagu and journalist Peter Wlldeblood lead to?

Answer

A

(They were both convicted)

<ul> <li>Led- growing public perception- state should not be able to regulate what two consenting adults do in private- the Sunday Times in 1954 'the law...is not in accord with a large mass of public opinion.</li></ul>

Question 38

Q

Changing attitudes to homosexuality

Evidence for-

What happened in 1958?

Answer

A

33 prominent political parties and cultural figures signed a letter to the Times calling for reform.

Question 39

Q

Changing attitudes to homosexuality

Evidence for-

What was set up in 1967 and what did it do?

Answer

A

1967- Sexual Offences Act, legalised sexual relations in private between men aged 21+.

Question 40

Q

Changing attitudes to homosexuality

Evidence for-

What was set up in 1971?

Answer

A

1971- A British branch of the Gay Liberation Front.

Question 41

Q

Changing attitudes to homosexuality

Evidence for-

What was made acceptable on TV in the 1970s?

Answer

A

A number of men made 'camp' behaviour acceptable on TV, Larry Grayson, who had catchphrases like 'What a gay day' and 'Seems like a nice boy'

Question 42

Q

Changing attitudes to homosexuality

Evidence for-

<ul> <li>In 1975, what did ITV screen?</li></ul>

<ul> <li>What was released in 1976?</li></ul>

Answer

A

1975- ITV, screened The Naked Civil Servant, a film about the flamboyant gay writer Quentin Crisp I.

1976- Tom Robinson released the single 'Glad to be Gay' which reached no.18 on the charts.

Question 43

Q

Give some examples for how homosexuality became more accepted.

Answer

A

<ul> <li>High profile trial-Lord Montagu & Peter Wlldeblood (both convicted)-led -growing perception- state shouldn't be able to regualate what two consenting adults do-private. Sunday Times wrote, 1954, 'the law...is not in accord with a large mass of public opinion'.</li> <li>1958, 33 prominent political & cultural figures signed aletter to the Times- calling for reform -law.</li> <li>1967 Sexual Offences Act-legalised sexual relations-private-men aged 21+.</li> <li>British Branch-gay Liberation Front- set up, 1971.</li> <li>70s- men made 'camp' behaviour acceptable, TV e.g. Larry Grayson, catchphrases like 'What a gay day'.</li> <li>1975- ITV screened, 'The Naked Civil Servant'- film about flamboyant gay writer Quentin Crisp I.</li> <li>1976- Tom Robinson released single 'Glad To Be Gay' - reached no.18 on charts.</li></ul>

Question 44

Q

Was homosexuality becoming more accepted? Evidence AGAINST

What happened in the mid 50s to lots of men?

Answer

A

Over 1,000 men were imprisoned on the basis of their sexuality.

Question 45

Q

Changing attitudes to homosexuality

Evidence against-

What was revealed in 1963?

Answer

A

A poll revealed that 93% of the public thought that homosexuality was an illness.

Question 46

Q

Changing attitudes to homosexuality

Evidence against-

What still remained illegal after the 1967 Act?

Answer

A

Remained illegal to 'solicit' homesexual acts (i.e. to seek them in a public place.)

Question 47

Q

Changing attitudes to homosexuality

Evidence against-

What happened to the number of men arrested for public indecency between 1967 & 1972?

Answer

A

It Trebled!

Question 48

Q

Changing attitudes to homosexuality

Evidence against-

What did 'camp' TV stars do?

Answer

A

'Camp' TV stars like Larry Grayson & John Inman publically denied being gay- Grayson told the Daily Mirror he just pretended to be gay.

Question 49

Q

Changing attitudes to homosexuality

Evidence against-

What was found in Gorer's study Sex and Marriage in Young People Today?

Answer

A

Most comman reaction towards homosexuality = revulsion - voiced by 1/4 participants.

Question 50

Q

Changing attitudes to homosexuality

Evidence against-

Tom Robinsons single?

Answer

A

Hit single- voiced lots of issues faced by the gay community like police brutality, demonization in the media, and violence.

Question 51

Q

Was homosexuality more accepted?

Evidence against- give as many examples as you can remember

Answer

A

<ul> <li>Mid 50s- over 1000 men imprisoned-basis of sexuality.</li> <li>Poll-1963 revealed 93% of public thought homosexuality = illness.</li> <li>Still after 1967 Act, remained illegal to 'solicit' homesexual acts (seek in public place).</li> <li>Number of men arrested, public indecency trebled, (1967-1972).</li> <li>Camp Tv stars, e.g. Larry Grayson & John Inman publically denied being gay- Grayson told Daily Mirror, pretended to be gay.</li> <li>Gorer's study 'Sex and Marriage in Young People Today', found most comman reaction to homosexuality = 'revulsion', voiced by 1/4 participants.</li> <li>Tom Robinsons hit single- voiced lots of issued faced by the gay community- police brutality, demonization in the media & violence.</li></ul>

Question 52

Q

Year - Sexual offences Act

Question 53

Q

Year - Homosexual Law Reform Society was founded

Question 54

Q

What did the HLRS do?

Answer

A

Homosexual Law Reform Society

Followed a letter to ‘the times’ calling for law reform. Signed by Clement Attlee, Isaiah Berlin and A.J.P Taylor amoung others.

The HLRS was active in campaigning for a change to the law and in lobbying the government to implement the Wolfenden recommendations.

Question 55

Q

Year - Private member’s bill

Question 56

Q

What did Home Secretary Roy Jenkins think about homosexuality?

Answer

A

Even with Conservative attitudes.

Believed homosexuality should be decriminalised because criminalising aspects of private life was ‘uncivilised’.

Question 57

Q

Year - Abortion Act

Question 58

Q

What did the Abortion Act do?

Answer

A

1967

Legalised abortion of pregnancy up to 28 weeks.

Question 59

Q

Of those interviewed by Schofield and later Gorer, what proportion of people disapproved of homosexuality and believed it should be punished very severely?

Answer

A

85% disapproved

1/2 wished for punishments

Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Theme 3 a 2 - The emergence of the liberal society 1951-79 Flashcards

Brainscape's Knowledge Genome^TM