| dc.description.abstract | This master thesis examines how the abortion struggle in Kristiansand was portrayed through the newspapers Sørlandet and Fædrelandsvennen during the period 1973-1978. The thesis highlights the extent to which the debate was characterized by polarization between Christian and secular communities, and to what extent the conflict reflected a broader opposition between the soicialist and the bourgeois bloc in this region. Both opponents and advocates of abortion organized and conducted actions to further pressure politicians and ministers, in the hope of influencing the abortion policy.
Through the abortion debate, The New Women’s Movement challenged traditional gender norms, Christian values and society’s relationship with the church. The bourgeois bloc, on the other hand, sought to maintain traditional social structures based on a Christian cultural heritage and related gender norms. Therefore, various forms of popular activism were planned and carried out by both sides, including demonstrations, actions, meetings, petitions, and the distribution of leaflets. The newspapers also played a central role in the debate, as both opponents and proponents used the newspapers as a platform to influence the local community with their arguments and rhetoric. The abortion debate is presented through the newspapers as a struggle between Christians, conservatives, and healthcare professionals on one side, and women’s rights advocates and socialist doctors who worked for self-determind abortion on the other.
The study has utilized the theory of contentious politics to identify key actors and actions, as well as rhetoric and argumentation. The abortion struggle has shown many of the characteristics that Charles Tilly and Sidney Tarrow attribute to the concept of contentious politics. The relationship between the state and the popular activism that emerged during the abortion debate set the stage for changes in policy and legislation, as well as changes in social norms and attitudes towards gender, religion and equality.
The thesis shows that the abortion struggle in Kristiansand was marked by a clear polarization between Christian conservatives and secular proponents of self-determined abortion. This polarization was highlighted through the newspapers as a general opposition between socialist and bourgeois political blocs. Fundamental differences in the perception of the fetus, women and society distinguish the two opposing sides. The thesis follows The Labour Party’s abortion policy throughout the period and points to social and geographical differences in the view on abortion within Agder. The newspaper’s portrayal and coverage of the debate, as well as the actors’ mobilization and rhetoric, reflect the deeper social and political differences in the local community during this period. | |
