2 The NSPCC in Ireland, 1889–1921
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Sarah-Anne Buckley
Abstract
As with many historical examinations of Ireland from the mid-nineteenth to the mid-twentieth centuries, the study of the NSPCC as an organisation is a tale of two parts. In Chapter Two, the period 1889-1921 is addressed, focusing on the NSPCC’s foundation, expansion and increasing influences, and the Irish branches connections with the British Society. 1921 marked the transition to independence, which coincided with changes internationally in child protection work due to the effects of the First World War and shifting attitudes to childhood. The chapter begins by looking at the international emergence of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (SPCCs) from 1874. As will be shown, the expansion of the Society in Ireland was rapid, as was the support for the Society in parliament and in the press. By placing the foundation of the NSPCC in the context of earlier philanthropic and charitable work directed at children in Ireland, the Society’s interventionist and punitive approach is demonstrated. This chapter not only sets the scene for the establishment of the Society in Ireland and internationally, it provides a comparative dimension to the third chapter which looks at the Society in the Irish Free State after independence.
Abstract
As with many historical examinations of Ireland from the mid-nineteenth to the mid-twentieth centuries, the study of the NSPCC as an organisation is a tale of two parts. In Chapter Two, the period 1889-1921 is addressed, focusing on the NSPCC’s foundation, expansion and increasing influences, and the Irish branches connections with the British Society. 1921 marked the transition to independence, which coincided with changes internationally in child protection work due to the effects of the First World War and shifting attitudes to childhood. The chapter begins by looking at the international emergence of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (SPCCs) from 1874. As will be shown, the expansion of the Society in Ireland was rapid, as was the support for the Society in parliament and in the press. By placing the foundation of the NSPCC in the context of earlier philanthropic and charitable work directed at children in Ireland, the Society’s interventionist and punitive approach is demonstrated. This chapter not only sets the scene for the establishment of the Society in Ireland and internationally, it provides a comparative dimension to the third chapter which looks at the Society in the Irish Free State after independence.
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- List of tables viii
- Acknowledgements xi
- Foreword xiii
- Terms and abbreviations xvii
- Note on sources xix
- Introduction 1
- 1 The origins of child welfare in Ireland, 1838–1952 10
- 2 The NSPCC in Ireland, 1889–1921 46
- 3 The NSPCC ‘in transition’, 1922–56 70
- 4 Institutionalisation, the State and the NSPCC 110
- 5 Incest and immorality 152
- 6 Gender, familial problems and the NSPCC 171
- Conclusion 200
- Appendices 204
- Select bibliography 208
- Index 219
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- List of tables viii
- Acknowledgements xi
- Foreword xiii
- Terms and abbreviations xvii
- Note on sources xix
- Introduction 1
- 1 The origins of child welfare in Ireland, 1838–1952 10
- 2 The NSPCC in Ireland, 1889–1921 46
- 3 The NSPCC ‘in transition’, 1922–56 70
- 4 Institutionalisation, the State and the NSPCC 110
- 5 Incest and immorality 152
- 6 Gender, familial problems and the NSPCC 171
- Conclusion 200
- Appendices 204
- Select bibliography 208
- Index 219
