James M. Smith Bücher

Between 1922 and 1996, over 10,000 girls and women were imprisoned in Magdalene Laundries in Ireland, often labeled as 'promiscuous', burdens to their families or the state, or as victims of abuse. These individuals faced forced labor and severe psychological and physical maltreatment. This work utilizes the Irish State's report on Magdalene institutions, alongside survivor testimonies and independent accounts, to provide an in-depth examination of life within these facilities. It contextualizes the social, cultural, and political aspects of institutional survivor activism, detailing the Irish State's response, including the Ryan Report, and the formation of the Justice for Magdalenes campaign, a volunteer-driven advocacy group. The ongoing efforts of this group to enhance public understanding and research into the Laundries are documented, highlighting the state's continued evasion of responsibility to survivors and the need for a truthful account of past events. By drawing from various primary sources, the book uncovers significant flaws in the state's investigations and addresses the troubling issues surrounding the burials, exhumation, and cremation of former Magdalene women, reflecting the systemic neglect and suffering endured by these individuals.

The Magdalen laundries served as institutions where Irish women and girls were confined due to societal perceptions of immorality, operating under the Catholic Church's oversight until 1996. A scandal erupted in 1993 when the remains of 155 inmates were exhumed from a convent sold to developers, leading to widespread public outrage. This event has since highlighted the dark legacy of the laundries in Irish culture, particularly after the 2002 film "The Magdalene Sisters" brought further attention to the issue.