Wider Contexts

Social: In the 1970s when the film is set Britain was slowly becoming a more permissive society. In England and Wales homosexuality was decriminalised in 1967. The seventies were a time when a new generation of young people were exposed to new media and hence newer ideas in almost every field. In Europe, there was a surge of popularity in the early decade for glam rock, thanks largely to the rise of T Rex, David Bowie, and bands like Slade.

Historical: Shows life in 1950s Ireland, strict teachings of the Church. Also, much 1960s/70s history contained within the film such as the music of the decade and also the Troubles.

Economic: In the 1970s economy suffered due to issues such as the oil crisis. According to Wikipedia: The 1970s was perhaps the worst decade of Western and American economic performance since the Great Depression. Economic growth rates were considerably lower than previous decades.

Political: The Troubles, a generic and euphemistic term used to describe a period of sporadic communal violence involving paramilitary organisations, the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), the British Army and others in Northern Ireland from the late 1960s. Also featured in the film is the IRA an Irish Republican Paramilitary organisation which sought to end Northern Ireland's status within the United Kingdom.