英文摘要 |
This paper explores the historical process of abolitionism from gradual to immediate emancipation in the British anti-slavery movement in the 1820s, centering on Elizabeth Heyrick (1769- 1831, hereafter Heyrick), the first British activist who advocated the immediate abolition of slavery. As the initiator, the multiple predicaments Heyrick confronted were inextricably intertwined with social opinions, gender roles, and political interests. Given the plight, this paper analyzes how Heyrick applied social resources and establish channels to make immediate emancipation and boycott movement possible. This paper separates Heyrick's written discourses from local practices to clarify the relationship between her claims and actions. As for the written discourses, this paper focuses on Heyrick's four pamphlets published in 1824 to examine how Heyrick constructed pivotal arguments for her immediate abolition claim. As for her local practices, this paper analyzes, from a boundary-crossing perspective, how Heyrick integrated her social network to mobilize different classes and gender groups in the boycott movement she promoted from 1825 to 1830, so that the movement could be implemented locally. This paper also observes how middle-class women constructed their gender identities and empowered themselves in the abolitionist movement. |