Woman's Hour - 17/02/2009

Presented by Jenni Murray. Specialist in the history of the 19th century working classes Sarah Wise and Professor of Contemporary British History Pat Thane join Jenni to talk about how the workhouse system operated, how people's attitudes to it changed over time, and its legacy in modern Britain. Is there a lack of roles for older women on stage and screen? Jenni is joined by author and critic Bidisha and by Kate Harwood, Controller Series and Serials, BBC Drama Production. Kati Whitaker recently returned from Ethiopia where the government has just introduced new family planning laws including a law against marriage under 18. However, she discovered that, in some parts, early marriage is still very common. Dr Irene Sheimberg, paediatric pathologist for the Barts and The London NHS Trust discusses a new theory that may cast further doubt over 'Shaken Baby Syndrome'. Including drama: The Elegance of the Hedgehog.