Debating societies [ Clubs & Societies / Associational culture ]
… and to the managers’ savvy choice of topics appealing to various intellectual appetites. They promised ‘popular rational entertainment’ 2 ; if the two dimensions were probably often conjoined they could part ways: they provided political, … and/or proud of their civic capacity; they also offered lighter subjects on fashion or gossip for those seeking entertainment. An additional attraction was that the debating societies offered opportunities for discussing topics … attend debates and speak (as in Dublin and Birmingham ) ( Money 39; Powell 368). Debating societies offered ‘rational entertainment’ to those who could not afford higher forms, such as a night at the theatre. They could be places of …
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