‘Strength – Morally, Mentally, and Physically’: Masculinity and the Sons of Temperance in Nova Scotia, 1842-1936

Abstract

While gender studies of the temperance movement have been conducted before, they tend to be dominated by research into the feminine. ‘Strength – Morally, Mentally, and Physically’: Masculinity and the Sons of Temperance in Nova Scotia, 1842-1936 sought to understand the often-neglected masculine temperance movement, specifically studying the Sons of Temperance in early 20th century in Nova Scotia. By studying two major primary sources, the Blue Book pamphlet and the Forward newspaper, as well as researching the evangelical philosophies at the core of the Sons of Temperance, this study revealed how the temperance and prohibition movement was envisioned as a means of conserving traditional masculine values. Furthermore, it was revealed that the Sons of Temperance expressed masculine values differently over time. ‘Strength – Morally, Mentally, and Physically’ concluded by considering why gender and moral reform were/are entwined.