Title: The Malthusian League and the resistance to birth control propaganda in late victorian Britain.

POPLINE Document Number: 776975

Author(s):

D'Arcy F

Source citation:

Population Studies, 1977 Nov;31(3):429-48.

Abstract:

The Malthusian League originated in July 1877 when Annie Besant suggested the idea to members of the London Dialectical Society and the defense committee organized to defend her and Charles Bradlaugh in the trial for publishing Charles Knowlton's "Fruits of Philosophy." Trade union officials never participated in League activities, but when the group began they claimed 500 Members. Membership did not continue to grow after 1878 when the total was 1153. Limited in funds and membership, the League waged a lively propaganda campaign and brought the issue of family planning into open discussion. The 3 instruments of propaganda were the public lecture, the tract, and the press. The journal, "The Malthusian" was first issued in February 1879 and continued to appear monthly until 1921 but never paid for itself. The paper did preserve a sense of unity among League members. Laws prohibited distribution of practical advice on contraception. The medical profession, the upper classes, and the clergy opposed the idea of birth control. Despite their reserve the birth rate began a steady decline among middle classes beginning in the 1900's. Use of the infertile period (rhythm method) was endorsed by 1884 by Nonconformist churches. Developing interest in and pride in the empire also blocked the public from quick acceptance of family planning.

Keywords:

England
Family Planning Programs
Political Factors
Mass Media
Social Marketing
Attitude
United Kingdom
Europe, Western
Europe
Developed Countries
Family Planning
Programs
Organization and Administration
Communication
Marketing
Economic Factors
Psychological Factors
Behavior