Sisterhood and After: An Oral History of the UK Women's Liberation Movement, 1968-present

This book provides a groundbreaking history of the UK Women's Liberation Movement, using oral history testimonies to trace the arc of a feminist life from 1950s girlhoods to late life activism today. It explores key campaigns and debates, including the Miss World Protest, abortion rights, and workplace struggles, and highlights the personal aspects of feminism, such as families, homes, shopping, and music. The author urges readers to enter the archives of feminist memory to help map their own political futures.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 23 November 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

This groundbreaking history of the UK Women's Liberation Movement delves into the compelling reasons behind and the intricate mechanisms through which feminism's second wave emerged, driven by the unwavering quest for not merely equality but also social and gender transformation. The narrative is enriched by oral history testimonies, which trace the journey of a feminist life, spanning from the formative years of girlhood in the 1950s to the vibrant activism of today. Interwoven with personal anecdotes, the book sheds new light on feminist critiques of society and offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of prominent and grassroots activists.

Margaretta Jolly employs oral history as a creative approach, leveraging the rich resources of Sisterhood and After: The Women's Liberation Oral History Project to animate and resolve ongoing controversies related to race, class, sexuality, disability, and feminist identity. Women activists vividly recall a divisive education system, the unevenness of sexual liberation, and the challenges posed by Thatcherism, Northern Ireland's Troubles, and the policing of minority ethnic communities. They provide insightful perspectives on key campaigns within these broader contexts, highlighting the organizational and collaborative skills they grappled with as they transitioned into local government, NGOs, and even the business sector.

Jolly offers fresh insights into iconic actions such as the Miss World Protest, the fight to safeguard abortion rights, and the peaceful protest at Greenham Common. Her accounts of workplace struggles, ranging from Ford and Grunwick to Women Against Pit Closures and Women and Manual Trades, illustrate how socialist ideals permeated feminism. She explores the issue of men's violence and the ongoing demands for trans-liberation as areas of persistent feminist concern.

In addition to providing a comprehensive exploration of key debates and theoretical trends, Jolly also appreciates the joyfully personal aspects of feminism, encompassing families, homes, shopping, music, relationships, health, aging, death, and faith. This holistic approach fosters a deeper understanding of the movement and its impact on individuals and society as a whole.

Overall, this captivating history of the UK Women's Liberation Movement serves as a testament to the unwavering determination and resilience of feminists, who have worked tirelessly to shape a more equitable and inclusive world. Through the power of oral history and personal narratives, the book sheds light on the transformative power of feminism and its enduring relevance in our contemporary society.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 159 x 234 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197601280