1. The changing role of women in modern American society from the 1950s to today Flashcards
What was the primary ideology regarding women in American society during the 1950s?
The ideology of the housewife
This ideology was shaped by media and magazines targeted to women.
What was the main goal for girls in the 1950s after World War II?
Marriage
Family was seen as the major inspiration for a perfect existence.
What dissatisfaction did women begin to feel by the end of the 1950s?
A feeling that ‘there is something missing’
This dissatisfaction became a national issue.
What were the daily responsibilities of most American women in the 1950s?
Maintain the house, prepare meals, take care of children
They were expected to be the ideal wives while remaining elegant.
How did the future of women in the 1950s differ from modern women?
Women in the 1950s had no choice regarding their future
Their paths were defined by societal expectations.
What significant change occurred in women’s roles during and after World War II?
Women returned to work in industrial factories
They discovered they could perform men’s work and earn higher salaries.
What campaign did the government launch in response to women working during WWII?
A campaign encouraging women to return to their roles as housewives
This included media messages promoting traditional gender roles.
What societal stereotype about women persisted despite their contributions during WWII?
The myth that women were unreliable and would quit jobs for motherhood
Most women who worked during the war were young and single.
What book by Betty Friedan addressed the crisis of the ideal woman in the 1960s?
The Feminine Mystique
It was published in 1963 and called for change.
In what year was the Equal Pay Act signed by President Kennedy?
1963
It aimed to abolish wage disparity based on sex.
What was the primary focus of the feminist movement since the 1960s?
Changing the role of women in society
It also called for female representation in decision-making bodies.
What significant increase occurred in women’s employment between 1950 and 1960?
The proportion of working wives grew from 15% to 30%
The number of working mothers increased by 400%.
What percentage of the labor force did women comprise in 2008?
59.5%
This was a significant increase from only 29.6% in 1950.
What are the three main themes underlying the feminist movement?
Individualism, independence, equality
These themes reflect broader American societal values.
What are the four waves of feminism?
- First wave: late 19th century - early 20th century
* 2. Second wave: 1960s - 1990s
* 3. Third wave: 1990s - 2008
* 4. Fourth wave: 2008 - present
Each wave has specific goals and advocates.
Fill in the blank: The ideal family in the 1950s included a successful husband, children playing, and the wife _______.
cooking in her kitchen
The image was characterized by traditional gender roles.
True or False: The feminist movement has faced no opposition in American society.
False
Not all women support the feminist movement, and it has shaken traditional social orders.
When were women allowed to have a bank account in the United States?
Women in the United States gained the right to open a bank account independently with the passage of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act in 1974. Before this act, many banks required a husband’s signature or refused service to unmarried women. This legislation marked a significant step towards financial independence for women.
First Wave of feminism
Started with the Seneca Falls Convention.
Seneca Falls Convention, assembly held on July 19–20, 1848, in the Wesleyan Chapel in Seneca Falls, New York, that launched the women’s suffrage movement in the United States.
Goals: The primary focus was on legal issues, particularly women’s suffrage (the right to vote). Other goals included property rights, educational opportunities, and better working conditions. Achievements: The most significant achievement was the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting women the right to vote in the United States. However, many women of color continued to face barriers to voting until the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Second Wave
(1960s - 1980s)
Goals: This wave expanded the fight to a broader range of issues, including workplace equality, reproductive rights, and the end of legal sex discrimination. It also addressed issues like domestic violence and marital rape. Achievements: Key achievements included the passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, which legalized abortion nationwide.
Third Wave
(1990s - 2000s)
Goals: The third wave focused on embracing individualism and diversity. It sought to challenge and expand the definitions of femininity and gender roles, addressing issues of sexuality, body image, and intersectionality. Achievements: This wave brought greater visibility to issues of race, class, and LGBTQ+ rights within the feminist movement. It also saw the rise of the internet as a platform for feminist discourse and activism.
Fourth Wave
(2010s - Present)
Goals: The fourth wave is characterized by a focus on combating sexual harassment, assault, and misogyny, largely through digital activism. It emphasizes intersectionality and the inclusion of diverse voices and experiences. Achievements: The #MeToo movement, which began in 2017, is a significant milestone of the fourth wave, bringing widespread attention to issues of sexual harassment and assault. This wave continues to push for systemic change and greater accountability.
19th amendment
Achievements: The most significant achievement was the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting women the right to vote in the United States. Thank you, 1st wave of feminism and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Even if it was for white middle-class women mostly, thank you for broadening the spectrum a bit.
President Kennedy’s Report and following legislations
- New official organizations changed with studying the status of women in the US.
- As 1961, President Kennedy had created a report called American women. This was the beginning of a new awareness of women’s problems. After the American women report, 1963, Equality Pay Act was approved: regardless of sex, who perform substantially equal work must be paid at the same level. It has great affect in the feminist struggle. Also, 1964, Civil Rights Act had the law requiring equal salary for equal work regardless of sex.
