1970s Feminism Flashcards
What was a major challenge faced by the Women’s Liberation Movement in the 1970s?
It struggled to include working-class women and ethnic minorities, as it was largely led by educated white women.
What happened at the 1970 Miss World Protest?
Feminists disrupted the contest in London for objectifying women; protestors heckled Bob Hope and threw stink bombs during the live broadcast.
What was The Spare Rib (1971)?
A feminist magazine set up as an alternative to mainstream women’s magazines, focusing on women’s rights over beauty and fashion
What were radical and socialist feminists focused on?
Radical feminists campaigned on issues like reproductive rights; socialist feminists emphasized class and financial independence for women.
When did birth control become more widely accessible and through what service?
In 1971, when it became available via the NHS.
What was the 1970 Equal Pay Act and what led to it?
It aimed to ensure equal pay for equal work. It was prompted by the 1968 Ford Dagenham strike by women machinists.
What did the Employment Protection Act (1975) introduce?
Paid maternity leave and protection from dismissal on the grounds of pregnancy.
What was the Social Security Pensions Act (1975)?
It reformed pensions to benefit women with interrupted work histories due to caring responsibilities.
What did the Sex Discrimination Act (1975) aim to address?
It banned sex discrimination in employment and education and aimed to ensure equal opportunities.
What role did the Equal Opportunities Commission (1975) play?
It enforced the Sex Discrimination and Equal Pay Acts but was limited in success — only 10% of claims succeeded between 1976 and 1983.
What was the Domestic Violence Act (1976)?
It allowed women to obtain court orders against violent partners.
Who was the Yorkshire Ripper and why was this significant for women’s rights?
Peter Sutcliffe murdered 13 women (1975–1980); protests like “Reclaim the Night” arose to demand women’s safety.
What did the TUC’s Equality for Women within Trade Unions Charter (1979) signify?
Recognition that women in trade unions were often underpaid and undervalued; it helped push wages for women from 59% of men’s (1970) to 70% (1977).
What was women’s representation in Parliament like in the 1970s?
In 1970, women made up just 4% of MPs, falling to 3% by 1979, despite Margaret Thatcher becoming party leader in 1975.
