AUDIO
Interview with Therese O'Connell
- Date
- 10 Aug 1992
- By
- O'Connell, Therese Frances Mary, 1951-
- Reference
- OHInt-0634-10
- Description
Interview with Therese O'Connell, born in New Plymouth in 1951. Refers catholics being a misunderstood minority when she was growing up and to prejudice from non-catholic children. Talks about discipline and obedience out of fear at primary school in the late 1950s, being terrified by hell-fire sermons, but this being mingled with the glorious and colourful ceremonial of the church. Comments on confession and her first communion, and discusses not wanting to take part any more by the time she was about 14. Mentions the impact of Vatican II when she was at secondary school, suddenly being encouraged to discuss issues, and rebelling against the church. Talks about enjoying school more as she overcame the fear and anxiety, began questioning more, and was involved in starting the debating and drama clubs.
Comments on attending a co-educational catholic primary school, and single-sex intermediate and secondary schools. Refers being taught about sexually transmissed diseases but not about sex at school. Discusses the emphasis on external exams at secondary school, and that her mother and some of the nuns were very keen on education. Refers to going to university being her way to leave home when she left school. Reflects that the position of women in the church was an important factor for her in realising she was never going to be subservient and in leaving the church. Comments that her mother and grandmother felt women can do anything. Talks about being involved with the first women's liberation group when she moved to Wellington, becoming vocal on abortion and contraception issues. Comments that the belief in justice and fairness instilled in her as a child led her to trade union work.
Interviewer(s) - Jane Tolerton
Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-010478 - OHC-010479
Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 folder(s) (agreement form and personal information sheet only). 1 Electronic document(s). 1 interview(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration.
Physical Description: Textual file - Microsoft word
Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHDL-000296
Abstract Available - other folder OHA-3594.
Search dates: 1951 - 1992
- Additional description
Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-006002 - OHLC-006003 and digital copy of Tape One (Tape Two to come)
Digital version of the transcript available
- Use/Reproduction
- Public use requires the written permission of the donor Copyright: Copyright is held by Jane Tolerton
- Access restrictions
- Restricted - Content cannot be accessed without permission - Access requires written permission of the donor
- Part of
- Convent girls oral history project
- Format
- 2 C60 cassette(s), 1 folder(s) (agreement form and personal information sheet only), 1 Electronic document(s), 1 interview(s), 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration, Oral histories, Electronic records (Digital records), Electronic documents, Textual file - Microsoft word
Click to request to view this item, access digital version (if available), and see more information.
Interview with Therese O'Connell, forms folder
Date: 10 Aug 1992
From: Convent girls oral history project
Reference: OHA-3594
Description: Interviewer(s) - Jane Tolerton Quantity: 1 folder(s).
Interview with Therese O'Connell, tape two
Date: 10 Aug 1992
From: Convent girls oral history project
Reference: OHC-010479
Description: Interviewer(s) - Jane Tolerton Arrangement: Tape sequence - 2 of 2 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s).
Interview with Therese O'Connell, tape one
Date: 10 Aug 1992
From: Convent girls oral history project
Reference: OHC-010478
Description: Interviewer(s) - Jane Tolerton Arrangement: Tape sequence - 1 of 2 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s).
Interview with Therese O'Connell, digital transcript
Date: 10 Aug 1992
From: Convent girls oral history project
Reference: OHDL-000296
Description: Interviewer(s) - Jane Tolerton Quantity: 1 Electronic document(s). Processing information: This file has been retained in its native file format. For the purposes of access, a copy has been made.