Class and "Molly" Culture in Eighteenth-Century London
Disciplines
Arts and Humanities | European History | History | Social History
Abstract (300 words maximum)
This research focuses on the connections between eighteenth century “molly” culture and the burgeoning working class. In the eighteenth century, “molly” houses were a haven for men who would be considered homosexual or queer today. Throughout the many primary sources I found that mention molly houses, I have noted that most if not all the men in these houses were laborers, common people, and small business owners. This is despite men in the upper echelons also seeking homosexual interactions. The research process includes an extensive review of primary sources including trials that are about molly culture. The process also includes a historiography of molly culture and how it connects to the class culture of eighteenth century London. The expected results are likely to be that their working class “mollies” of London found acceptance of their queer culture in “molly” houses, in contrast to a place where upper class men with the same feelings would attend.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
RCHSS - History & Philosophy
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Dr. Amy Dunagin
Class and "Molly" Culture in Eighteenth-Century London
This research focuses on the connections between eighteenth century “molly” culture and the burgeoning working class. In the eighteenth century, “molly” houses were a haven for men who would be considered homosexual or queer today. Throughout the many primary sources I found that mention molly houses, I have noted that most if not all the men in these houses were laborers, common people, and small business owners. This is despite men in the upper echelons also seeking homosexual interactions. The research process includes an extensive review of primary sources including trials that are about molly culture. The process also includes a historiography of molly culture and how it connects to the class culture of eighteenth century London. The expected results are likely to be that their working class “mollies” of London found acceptance of their queer culture in “molly” houses, in contrast to a place where upper class men with the same feelings would attend.