This paper explains that the Irish constitutions restricted the prescribed roles of women to the house, but this is not very
different than the rest of the world at this time. The author points out that, in both of the Irish states, the churches, both Catholic and Protestant, were closely connected to the state; both churches interpreted the role of the woman to be only within the house; however, over the years, this strong relationship of church and state has diminished and women's roles have changed. The paper relates that today, increased
internationalization of the Irish culture has produced a startling openness and liberalism compared with three decades ago; the idea of male dominance and confining women to their homes has been replaced by access to
contraception and open opportunities in education and employment.