Age of Consent: Medieval Meaning, Victorian Scandals & Modern Relevance
Oct 6, 2023
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Today's guest, Laura Lammasniemi, a professor at Warwick School of Law, takes us on a fascinating journey back in time to explore the ever-changing laws around consent. From medieval interpretations to Victorian scandals, Lammasniemi highlights the historical and societal contexts of consent laws. She also discusses the gender disparities in these laws and emphasizes the importance of conversations around consent today. Tune in to Betwixt the Sheets for a thought-provoking exploration of this topic.
The scandal surrounding the Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon in the late 19th century led to the passing of the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1885, which raised the age of consent for girls to 16.
The podcast explores the historical context of the age of consent, revealing how societal attitudes towards consent, the protection of women's virginity, and the concern for boys' consent have evolved throughout history.
Deep dives
The Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon and the Age of Consent
The episode discusses the scandal known as the Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon, which was a series of newspaper articles written by journalist William T. Stead in the late 19th century. Stead was a social reformer who focused on the issue of child prostitution and advocated for raising the age of consent to 16. He conducted a controversial investigation where he kidnapped a 13-year-old girl, Eliza Armstrong, and had her inspected by a midwife to prove her virginity. The scandal and public outrage generated by Stead's articles led to the passing of the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1885, which raised the age of consent for girls to 16. The episode explores the historical context of the age of consent, the gendered views on sexuality, and the societal impact of the scandal.
The History of the Age of Consent
The podcast delves into the history of the age of consent, starting from the medieval period where the age was set at 12 for both sexes. It examines the concept of consent throughout different historical periods and the changing laws around it. In the 19th century, there was a significant focus on the age of consent, with campaigns, discussions, and scandals surrounding the issue. The law underwent multiple changes during this time, eventually settling at the age of 16 in 1885. The episode highlights the societal attitudes towards consent, the protection of women's virginity, and the lack of concern for boys' consent throughout history.
The Impact of the Maiden Tribute Scandal
The podcast delves into the impact of the Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon scandal on discussions around consent. The scandal, centered around journalist William T. Stead's exposé on child prostitution, sparked public outrage and led to the passing of the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1885. The episode explores the questionable methods employed by Stead, such as kidnapping a 13-year-old girl, and the subsequent trial and imprisonment of Stead and the midwife involved. It highlights the influence of the scandal in raising awareness about the age of consent, leading to the age being raised to 16. The episode also examines the media's role in shaping public opinion on issues of consent.
Current Debates and Challenges around Consent
The podcast discusses current debates and challenges surrounding consent. It explores the topic of age of consent in relation to same-sex relationships and the gendered views on consent throughout history. The episode also delves into the difficulties of policing and legislating consent, especially in complex situations such as university environments. It emphasizes the need for nuanced discussions about consent, power imbalances, and the impact of vulnerability on a person's capacity to give consent. The episode concludes by emphasizing the importance of ongoing conversations and research on consent in various contexts.
While the age of consent has fluctuated over time, it reveals some fascinating and enlightening things about how we view sexuality in society.
Today's guest, Laura Lammasniemi, professor at Warwick School of Law, takes us back in time to explore the many ways these laws have changed, and why they have just as much relevance now as they ever have done.
How did Medieval England interpret ideas of consent? Which Victorian scandal led to consent laws we keep in place today? And why have girls consent laws historically differed from boys?
Let's go Betwixt the Sheets to find out.
This episode was edited by Siobhan Dale and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.
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