Module Directory

We live in a world where gender and sexuality are hotly debated. But ideas and experiences of gender and sexuality have been in flux for much longer than the present moment. This module examines the relations between gender and selfhood in post-1945 Britain.

Following Joan Scott, gender is viewed as both ‘a constituent element of social relationships’ and ‘a primary way of signifying relationships of power'. We therefore look at gender and sexuality in relation to power, and take an intersectional approach that examines gender in relation to other aspects of identity including ‘race’, class, age, and embodiment.  The module considers the (sexed) body as a site of struggle and freedom. Finally, it explores the thoughts and feelings of marginalised groups as active agents of history rather than as passive victims.

The aims of this module are: 

• Analyse key events in the history of post-1945 Britain that illuminate gender and sexuality.




• Discuss with reference to modern historical scholarship selected topics in the history of gender and sexuality in modern Britain.




• Critically evaluate the interrelation of political, social, cultural, and technological change in determining different experiences of gender and sexuality and the limits of individual and collective agency.


• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the potentialities and problems of different kinds of evidence for understanding experiences of gender and sexuality.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Demonstrate a broad and systematic knowledge of the history of gender and sexuality in post-1945 Britain.


2. Express their ideas on and assessments of the social and cultural importance of gender and sexuality in post-1945 Britain.


3. Identify strengths, weaknesses, problems, and/or peculiarities of alternative historical/ historiographical interpretations.


4. Demonstrate an awareness of a range of relevant primary sources and an appreciation of how historians have approached them.


5. Marshal primary and secondary sources into an independent historical argument.

The outline of lecture topics is provided below. Each lecture is accompanied by a seminar that explores the topic in greater depth, most often based around specific primary sources and/or historical debates.

1. Introduction: Gender & Sexuality in Post-1945 Britain


2. The family in postwar Britain


3. Permissiveness & the Pill


4. The (re)invention of heterosexuality


5. Women’s Liberation Movement


6. Queer identities from Wolfenden to the Gay Liberation Front


7. Sex education


8. LGBTQ+ families


9. Trans identities


10. Conclusion

This module will be delivered via:

• One lecture per week.
• One seminar per week.

Lectures will provide an overview of key topics, and seminars will provide an opportunity to discuss key themes, approaches, and debates in more depth, including critical analysis of different kinds of source material. All Module information will be available via Moodle.  Key readings will be digitised an available on Talis Aspire.

The lectures and seminars will make use of audio, visual, and audio-visual material where appropriate. Seminars will be structured so that students take the lead in discussion. Throughout, the module will introduce different forms of historical source material so that students have the opportunity to work on materials that suit their interests and expertise, while developing new skills.

This approach will ensure that diverse groups of students will be supported to learn to the best of their abilities, to excel in areas of existing strength, and to further develop skills in areas where this is required.