Routledge - Shame, the Church and the Regulation of Female Sexuality

Explore the complex relationship between religious institutions and gender dynamics in this academic study from Routledge. Shame acts as a force that can rupture human relationships, diminish joy, and trigger conflict or violence. This book investigates how shame has been utilized by a patriarchal Christian Church as a tool to regulate female sexuality and manage male ambivalence regarding sex. By examining the historical context of Ireland's Magdalen laundries, the text provides a deep look into how institutional power functions. The work applies contemporary feminist theological and theoretical scholarship to understand the ways the Church has historically colluded with shame to maintain control. This book is an essential resource for readers interested in the intersections of gender, theology, and spirituality within religious history.