Consent, coercion, and constraint: exploring women’s freedom through objects which shape their bodies by Meiqi Yang https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90 en-us 2021-11-10 16:28:23 UTC 2025-11-22 08:07:56 UTC hello@padlet.com 1970-1987 fh21my https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1881883593 2021-11-10 16:54:01 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1881883593 1978-1980 fh21my https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1881886022 2021-11-10 16:54:59 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1881886022 1945-1960 fh21my https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1881900334 2021-11-10 16:59:56 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1881900334 1960-1965 fh21my https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1881902171 2021-11-10 17:00:37 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1881902171 1970-1981 fh21my https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1881907703 2021-11-10 17:02:41 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1881907703 1958-1962 fh21my https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1881910500 2021-11-10 17:03:43 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1881910500 1999 fh21my https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1881918478 2021-11-10 17:06:42 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1881918478 fh21my https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1918366314 2021-11-29 16:28:59 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1918366314 fh21my https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1918390926 2021-11-29 16:38:10 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1918390926 fh21my https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1918393644 2021-11-29 16:39:11 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1918393644 fh21my https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1918398636 2021-11-29 16:40:59 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1918398636 fh21my https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1918404365 2021-11-29 16:43:11 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1918404365 yuxin https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1918971622 This is a woven and twisted cane body hoop used to bind the waist of Kachin women and comes from Burma between 1801 and 1900. With the help of this hoop, women would have a slim waistline.
In the eyes of those who advocated this tool, female beauty was singular and morbid. Women used such tools at the expense of their health to conform to social aesthetic trends.
With this tacit consent to the perverse aesthetics of women, it is difficult to say that women are free in body and mind. Not only are their bodies in bondage, but their minds are also oppressed.]]> 2021-11-29 20:56:59 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1918971622 yuxin https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1918972098 The National Abortion Campaign (NAC) was formed in 1975 and the group defended the Abortion Act 1967 against several proposed amendment bills during the 1970s and 1980s. These badges were left behind by the NAC during the protests and show the organisation's struggle for women's rights.

Women should have complete control over their own bodies and it is up to them to decide whether to have an abortion or not, both in terms of their consent to externally imposed acts and their own freedom of body and will.]]> 2021-11-29 20:57:18 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1918972098 1870-1910 China Pair of shoes xiaoqiaoyan68 https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1919072931 At this time, ancient China was immersed in the worship of small feet. The whole society believed that small feet were beautiful for women. This deformed aesthetic resulted in all women being forced to cover their feet with cloth and wear shoes only about 9 to 10 centimeters to inhibit the natural growth of their feet, starting from childhood. This will undoubtedly do great harm to women's health, but also constrain women's freedom of body. They didn't have any freedom to choose, because it was determined by the social aesthetics of the time, and they had to obey.]]> 2021-11-29 22:15:02 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1919072931 1801-1900 Myanmar Collar xiaoqiaoyan68 https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1919084793 This collar was made of brass for Myanmar women，they wear such necklaces is because in Myanmar, it is popular to regard beauty as long neck, and they believe that the longer neck a woman has, the more beautiful she is. Undoubtedly, this is also due to the restriction of women's freedom caused by abnormal aesthetics. Through heavy necklaces, women's necks are abnormally elongated to conform to the so-called social aesthetics, which restricts their freedom to control their bodies.]]> 2021-11-29 22:25:26 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1919084793 19th century Europe The Painting xiaoqiaoyan68 https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1919094837 This picture shows a woman having her dress tightened by a tailor in 19th century Europe. European women must constantly tighten up their clothes to follow the trend. To be sure, women have no choice but to conform to a social environment that emphasizes the beauty of a thin waist. This reflects the social restrictions on women, who do not have the freedom to choose their own style and accept the aesthetic imposed on them by the society.]]> 2021-11-29 22:34:06 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1919094837 In 1961, ‘Enovid’ become the first oral contraceptive pill available in the UK. The pill helped the development of sexual revolution among women. In fact, some social conservatives blamed the pill for the sexual revolution – they feared that with hormonal contraception women could separate sex from procreation, theroferore they could have sex anytime with anyone. However, it is known that unmarried women were having sex prior to the development of the pill. Therefore, oral contraception allowed women to engage with the same behaviour reducing the risk of unwanted pregnancy. First versions of contraceptive pills had much higher dosage of hormones than required. This caused heart problems in some women. Modern contraceptive pills contain far lower levels of hormones. Yet they also have side effects in many women https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1920125526 2021-11-30 11:17:24 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1920125526 In 1999, Edinburgh University conducted trials to develop an oral male contraceptive. The trials were discontinued as the pill reduced the amount of sperm and means to offset the effect were uneffective. However, there were other trials that seemed to be relatively successful. They didn’t make it to next stages of research after some of the participants reported side effects such as mood disorders - a common side effect in women using hormonal contraception. It is worth noting that the first trials happened in the late 1990s’, around 40 years later than works on female contraceptive pill. Some argue that there has been low societal will for production and administering of male contraceptive pill. If that’s the case, this fact points to responsibility of women in terms of birth control, therefore making full informed and consensual decision about using the pill in current circumstances. https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1920137265 2021-11-30 11:26:17 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1920137265 xiaoqiaoyan68 https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1922966871 2021-12-01 14:51:33 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1922966871 INTRODUCTION PANEL lizzy28rose https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1922987972 This exhibition explores female freedom, using artefacts from the Science Museum collection.  
 
Objects of beauty, female reproduction, and women’s health allows exploration of the intricacies of consent, freedom, coercion, and constraint. In turn, this enables their relationship to the pressures imposed upon them by society to be observed. 
 
The exhibition highlights women have not had full agency of their bodies due to social pressures, force, lack of information, ideological agendas, and a lack of alternatives.
 
In some cases, objects and practices are forced upon women’s bodies to adhere to societal standards of beauty. Women take medication, only to later discover debilitating side effects. Women are offered medication to further the agenda of the provider. Women are given no other option but to accept what is commercialised for use, or face completely losing their freedom. Objects can be packaged up to appear to promote women’s freedom, but behind the masquerade is a level of non-consent and the perpetuation of the social subordination of women. Is a woman truly free despite her apparent consent or choice?
 
The diverse selection of objects in this exhibition illustrates this control is at play across the ages and across the globe, overtly and covertly.
 
Women’s relationship to the objects and themes in the exhibition reflects on the complex relationship between freedom and choice, and shows the latter doesn’t always equal the former. It invites visitors to consider the plight of women’s survival under social constraints.
 
 
 
 

]]> 2021-12-01 14:59:41 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1922987972 Poster for 'No. Still the most effective form of birth control.' fh21my https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1923169698 Awareness of birth control contraception Produced by The Health Education Council
England
1970-1987

Social conventions assumed most of the consequences for unwanted pregnancies fall on women. It suggested women should be "sure" and "ready" before they make love, stating the importance of consent. Imposes the responsibility of birth control on women.]]> 2021-12-01 16:09:06 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1923169698 Poster entitled 'Women beware of Man made Medicine' fh21my https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1923236018 published by the East London Health project
design by Loraine Leeson
1970s

A woman is surrounded by information on the pill. Side effects can be differ between genders. Worth mentioned it was published at a time of NHS cuts, and the East London Health project was formed to give info to population about health issues. 8 posters made over 2 years.]]> 2021-12-01 16:35:28 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1923236018 new text aoiu https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1925812110

One of five National Abortion Campaign badges

1970-1981


The National Abortion Campaign (NAC) was formed in 1975 and the group defended the Abortion Act 1967 against several proposed amendment bills during the 1970s and 1980s. These badges were left behind by the NAC during the protests and show the organisation's struggle for women's rights.



]]> 2021-12-02 18:17:55 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1925812110 new text aoiu https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1925813765 Body hoop for constricting the waist of Kachin women
1801-1900 ，Myanmar
This is a woven and twisted cane body hoop used to bind the waist of Kachin women and comes from Burma between 1801 and 1900. With the help of this hoop, women would have a slim waistline.

]]> 2021-12-02 18:18:45 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1925813765 lizzy28rose https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1925961452 2021-12-02 19:35:23 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1925961452 Edited emiliabazydlo https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1926109662
‘Enovid’ become the first contraceptive pill available in the UK. The pill helped the development of sexual revolution as this method of contraception was fully controlled by women. Some social conservatives blamed the pill for the revolution. However, it is known that unmarried women were having sex prior to the development of the pill. 


First versions of contraceptive pills had very high dosage of hormones. This caused heart problems in some women. Modern versions contain far lower levels of hormones, yet side effects are still common. 

]]> 2021-12-02 21:18:02 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1926109662 Thalidomide and it's information document fh21my https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1926114635 Thalidomide: 
The Distillers Company Limited
1958

Information document: 
Celgene Corporation
1999

It was widely used in Europe and Japan as an anti-emesis drug. Soon after its introduction, data showed that pregnant women using the drug had increased rates of miscarriage and malformation causes birth defects. Causing the drug to be withdrawn from the market.
Later in 1999, the information document contains literature, surveys and consent forms issued by the American Food and Drug Administration to ensure doctors administered the drug correctly.]]> 2021-12-02 21:22:27 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1926114635 Edited emiliabazydlo https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1926118938
In 1999, Edinburgh University conducted trials to develop an oral male contraceptive. The trials were discontinued as the contraceptive drastically reduced sperm count. Testosterone implants used to offset this side effect turned out to be ineffective. However, there were other trials that seemed to be more successful. They also were discontinued after some of the participants reported side effects such as mood disorders – common among women using hormonal contraception. 


Notably, the first trials happened around 40 years later than work on female contraceptive pill. Some argue that the reason for that is low societal need for male contraceptive pill. 

]]> 2021-12-02 21:25:59 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1926118938 These pills were promoted as anti-hysteria pills. In the 19th century hysteria was considered diagnosable physical illness that manifested itself in ways such as anxiety or insomnia. It was thought of as a sex-selective disorder – limited only to those with a uterus. Treating hysteria often led to what we now think of as abuse. The ‘Female Pills’ were also used for stomach and period problem. It was suggested that pregnant women shouldn’t take them, what led to the pills being self-administered as abortion method. As such, the pills allowed women for actions that were not approved by the society. emiliabazydlo https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1926148042 2021-12-02 21:51:08 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1926148042 lizzy28rose https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1926399489 2021-12-03 01:29:50 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1926399489 One of a pair of white high heeled shoes for use with artificial/prosthetic legs aoiu https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1927210698 1975-1985
MATERIALS: leather and metal

This white high heel is from the period 1975-1985 and was made for a woman's prosthetic leg. Information confirms that the reason for the woman's amputation came from a drug called thalidomide, a sedative used in pregnant women and also used as a sleeping pill, which was banned in the 1960s because it was found to cause foetal malformations.

This woman had her leg taken away by side effects after taking thalidomide and was fitted with a prosthetic leg, a white high heel made for the very prosthetic leg that was caused by taking an unsafe drug.
]]> 2021-12-03 12:28:40 UTC https://padlet.com/fh21my/1okzswcxhd4cbu90/wish/1927210698