We Are But Women: Women in Ireland's History

Throughout the troubled history of Ireland, women have been no less concerned than men when it came to coping with the difficulties and confused loyalties of Ireland. The role they played, however, has been misconceived and underestimated in past histories of the island. 'We Are But Women' is an examination of the social, religious and political role of women yesterday and today: women's effect on Ireland and Ireland's effect on women. Roger Sawyer traces the development of 'a woman's place' from the events of the earliest mythological period to the circumstances which prevail in Ireland today. A wide range of 'women's issues' are considered, including suffragism, divorce, wife battering, discrimination in literary censorship, contraception and abortion. The book relates the fortunes of Irish women to the history of the relationship between Ireland and Great Britain. The women he portrays here were and are part of vibrant cultural traditions which have yet to find a sure basis for co-existence. Ultimately, he concludes that the stabilizing influence of individual women and women's organizations is pointing the way towards a lasting solution of the present impasse. 'We Are But Women' will be of great value to students of history and politics. It will also prove highly enjoyable for the more general reader.