1970-1979 Social Developments

Question 1

What key social developments occurred in the 1970s?

Answer 1

Progress of Feminism - Sexual Discrimination Act

Race and Immigration- big increase in immigration/ Discrimination and Social tension

Youth - punks and skinheads

Environmentalism - big interest in environmental issues

Question 2

What progress for women in 1970s?

Answer 2

Contraceptive pill became more acceptable and available on NHS from 1971

Rape Crisis centres opened from 76

The Domestic Violence Act 1976 enabled women to take out restraining orders against violent partners

Access to mortgages from 71 (without male guarantor)

Reclaim the night marches in response to Yorkshire Ripper murders

Equal Pay Act, passed 70 came into force 1975

Sex Discrimination Act 1975 - discrimination in employment and education illegal - set up equal opportunities commission

The Social Security Pensions Act 1975 - changed state pension system- now more generous to women (contributions limited by caring responsibilities)

Employment Protection Act 1975 - introduced paid maternity leave. Illegal to dismiss on grounds of pregnancy

International Women’s Day established by United Nations 1977

TUC published charter to improve position of women in Trade Unions 1979

Women’s pay up from 59% of men’s pay in 1970 to 70% in 1977

Question 4

What limitations to progress for women in 1970s

Answer 4

Trade unions still suspicious that women in workplace could lead to lower wages

Equal Opportunities Commission only launched 9 investigations between 1976 and 1983

Only 10% of sex discrimination cases in the workplace were successful

Employers got around the Equal Pay Act by making women’s jobs different to men’s- so couldn’t be compared

Women’s wages remained lower than men’s