We Are History A History of Contraception
Jun 7, 2021
Explore the fascinating history of contraception, from ancient Egyptian remedies using crocodile dung to Greek herbal techniques like silphium. Discover the dangerous folk cures and how male-focused strategies often put women at risk. Learn about the evolution of condoms from cloth to latex, and the rise of birth control pioneers like Margaret Sanger. The hosts shed light on societal opposition, the development of the pill, and its impact on women's agency. A lighthearted yet informative take on a typically taboo subject!
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Hidden Everyday History Matters
- Contraception history is often hidden because people found it embarrassing to record.
- Jon O'Farrell and Angela Barnes stress ordinary people's practices matter as much as kings and battles.
Flatmate Condom Panic
- Angela Barnes recounts a student filmmaker friend making a condom promo and a mistaken panic by a friend.
- The story shows how condoms once provoked shame and misunderstandings in everyday life.
Early Barrier Methods Recur
- Ancient Egyptians used soaked cloths and substances like honey to block sperm.
- The hosts note these barrier methods recur across cultures despite varying effectiveness.
