Not Just the Tudors14 Aug 2025

Othered: Race, Gender & Human 'Monsters'

**Contains examples of 'othering', including birth abnormalities, and the terms used to describe them historically**

Professor Suzannah Lipscomb is joined by Dr. Surekha Davies to discuss how individuals and groups were often classified in the Early Modern period, and how ideas evolved around normality versus 'otherness' - or even 'monstrosity'. Suzannah and Surekha consider the influence of the four humors on human classification, the portrayal of different peoples in New World exploration, and the entrenchment of racism and sexism through legal and social frameworks. They also touch upon gender fluidity and intersexuality from various cultural perspectives, culminating in a rich discussion on how humans created their own concepts of 'monsters' amongst men.

MORE:

Unusual Births and Disability in 17th Century England

Making Babies in the 17th Century

Presented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The audio editor is Amy Haddow and the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.

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