Occasions of Sin: Sex and Society in Modern Ireland

by Diarmaid Ferriter

Ferriter covers such subjects as abortion, pregnancy, celibacy, contraception, censorship, infanticide, homosexuality, prostitution, marriage, popular culture, social life and the various hidden Irelands associated with sexual abuse - all in the context of a conservative official morality backed by the Catholic Church and by legislation. The book energetically and originally engages with subjects omitted from the mainstream historical narrative. The breadth of this book and the richness of the source material uncovered make it definitive in its field and a most remarkable work of social history.

Genres: History, Ireland, Irish Literature, Sociology

640 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Jordan Phizacklea-Cullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A meticulously researched and exhaustive without being exhausting study of changing attitudes and some truly shocking cases in a country gradually catching up with modern, progressive attitudes to love, sex and relationships.

[Ronan Killeen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is Ferriter's best work it is throughoughly researched on the various topics and interesting aspects of social history. It is so well written apart from this one I enjoyed Ferriter's 'What if'. Ferriter has done a fantastic job here I think.

[Kelly Redmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book opened up my eyes to what Ireland once was, how woman , children and gay men where treated back then. Heart wrenching stuff.

[Pushon Bhattacharya · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unflinching and detailed look at why Irish people are so weird about sex. Answers a lot of questions the rest of the world has.