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Nudity - Laurie Taylor explores its cultural history and changing meaning.

NUDITY – Laurie Taylor explores the cultural history of nudity and its impact on ideas about the body from the early twentieth century to the present. He talks to Sarah Schrank, Professor of History at California State University, about the unusual eras and locations in which it thrived - from Depression-era collectives to 1950s suburban nudist communities—as well as the more predictable beaches and resorts. They’re joined by Barbara Górnicka, Assistant Professor in Sociology at University College, Dublin, who asks why we find exposing bodies shameful and draws on her own participation in a nudist swimming club.

Producer: Jayne Egerton

Available now

29 minutes

Last on

Mon 10 Feb 2020 00:15

Guests

 - Assistant Professor in Sociology at University College Dublin

 - Professor of History at California State University, Long Beach

Further Reading

Nakedness, Shame, and Embarrassment: A Long-Term Sociological Perspective by Barbara Górnicka
Free and Natural: Nudity and the American Cult of the Body by Sarah Schrank

Broadcasts

  • Wed 5 Feb 2020 16:00
  • Mon 10 Feb 2020 00:15

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Â鶹Éç Thinking Allowed is produced in partnership with The Open University

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