Abstract
This research into lesbianism in Northern Ireland breaks completely new ground. In using the feminist perspective, it rejects traditional theories and methods of research in this area, which emphasize aetiology and personality characteristics. The main aims were to discover and document what it means to be lesbian today, especially in Northern Ireland, against the pressure of an intolerant. religious society; and to bring to light a group who have been hidden from mainstream life.The study is loosely based on Ettorre's (1978) work, which was carried out in London. Tape-recorded in-depth interviews were transcribed verbatim.
The main areas covered include definitions of and ideas about, lesbianism; coming out; gay politics; feminism; social life; Northern Ireland; friends and lovers. The findings highlight the wealth and variation of lesbian experiences. Whether women aligned their lesbianism to feminism proved to be the salient factor, and was linked to the mergence of two groups within the sample. The political and social situation in Northern Ireland was examined with reference to how it affects women in general, and lesbians in particular. This ~as backed up empirically with direct quotations, and with the finding that there were differences where religion and the awareness of sectarianism were concerned.
This piece of work lays a foundation for future research, and offers suggestions in this respect.
| Date of Award | 1986 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | Liz McShane (Supervisor) & Roy Wallis (Supervisor) |
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