Anne Booth

Alongside teaching for the last 10 years at the University, I have been actively involved in history research and last year published my book, Women in Victorian Society.

I've also authored articles on the History Matters Blog and I am the co-editor of the Katherine Wheel, journal of the Katherine Swynford Society, and a committee member of the Victorian Society (South Yorkshire branch).

PhD Research
My research investigates the dynamic relationship between British women’s magazines and the construction of young women's identities during the pivotal period of 1975 to 1995. I will examine how these publications both reflected and influenced young women's perspectives on relationships, work, and wider social change, with a particular focus on the under-researched shifts of the 1990s.

Research Focus
This study will explore the transition of magazine narratives from the relatively cohesive messaging of the 1970s to the more diverse, fragmented, and commercially driven content of the 1990s. I will specifically analyse key influences such as second-wave feminism, shifting career opportunities, consumerism, pop culture, and globalisation.

I want to highlight how magazines like Just Seventeen moved away from traditional priorities (such as securing a husband) to promote themes of personal identity, friendships, mental health, and career aspirations. By considering the emergence of the 'ladette culture' and the increasing social identity fragmentation of the 1990s, the research aims to trace how magazine representations of femininity evolved.

Methodology
The project employs a mixed-methods approach, combining rigorous archival research of print media with oral history interviews with former readers. This methodology will not only uncover the intentions of the publishers but also assess how these shifts influenced readers' life choices. A final dimension of the research is an assessment of the legacy of print media, examining how these narratives continue to shape contemporary digital platforms.