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Unseemly and unwomanly behaviour: Comparing women’s control of their fertility in Australia and England from 1890 to 1970

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  • Hera Cook

    (The University of Sydney)

Abstract

From 1890 to 1970 Australian women’s use of female-controlled birth control methods was higher than that of English women. The latter primarily depended upon withdrawal and condoms. Use of these male-controlled methods of contraception is associated with low levels of female sexual pleasure, and the belief that husbands should initiate sexual activity and should control their wives’ fertility. I argue that higher use of female methods gave white Australian women greater sexual and reproductive autonomy throughout this period. The view that they were in a less desirable position than women in other Anglo cultures needs to be examined more closely.

Suggested Citation

  • Hera Cook, 2000. "Unseemly and unwomanly behaviour: Comparing women’s control of their fertility in Australia and England from 1890 to 1970," Journal of Population Research, Springer, vol. 17(2), pages 125-141, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joprea:v:17:y:2000:i:2:d:10.1007_bf03029461
    DOI: 10.1007/BF03029461
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Schneider, Jane & Schneider, Peter, 1991. "Sex and respectability in an age of fertility decline: A Sicilian case study," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 33(8), pages 885-895, January.
    2. Jejeebhoy, Shireen J., 1995. "Women's Education, Autonomy, and Reproductive Behaviour: Experience from Developing Countries," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198290339.
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