Changing Attitudes to the Roles of Men and Women: How Flashcards
Name five laws that show the changing attitudes to the roles of women
The Representation of the People Act 1918 The Electoral Reform Act in 1928 The Equal Pay Act 1970 The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 The Employment Rights Act 1975
What did the Representation of the People Act 1918 do?
This gave women over 31 who met the minimum property requirements the right to vote
It was not until the Electoral Reform Act in 1928 that women were politically equal to men - they could vote at 21 and stand as MPs
What did the The Equal Pay Act 1970 do?
This was the first of several laws giving a woman the right to the same pay and benefits as a man doing the same job
Since then, several amendments have been made to make conditions far better
Women now had the law to legitimise their claims if they were being treated unequally or wrong
What are the problems with the The Equal Pay Act 1970?
It is difficult to ensure that women are paid the same because companies changed the title of the women’s jobs
e.g. instead of secretary, they were demoted to typist after the 1970 Act - there was a loophole within the law
What did the The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 do?
This made it illegal to discriminate against a person based on their gender or marital status
The Equal Opportunities Commission was set up the same year to monitor the Act
What did the The Employment Rights Act 1975 do?
This made it illegal to dismiss a woman for being pregnant or taking maternity leave
In the UK maternity leave has to be paid
How has women’s representation in Parliament changed?
October 1974: 27 women elected 2015: 29% of MPs Scottish Parliament: 35% National Assembly for Wales: 40% More equal representation has been achieved through positive action by some political parties
How has women’s representation in leadership positions in business changed?
Women run 7% of the FTSE 100 companies
Women are CEO or Managing Director of 12% of global businesses
Women are becoming increasingly appointed to positions of authority
How has maternity leave changed?
Men can now take paternity leave: they will still be entitled to two weeks of paid paternity leave
Men have the right to take up to 26 weeks leave if their partner returns to work
Women are not expected to have sole care
Women are not expected to give up their job to raise the family
How many women worked outside of the home a century ago?
15%
How much more do men still earn over a women?
A recent surveys have shown that jobs available to women are often less well-paid, so that men still earn around 17% more than women
Do traditional roles still exist?
Yes
Women still do the majority of household chores and childcare
Jobs such as nursing are still seen as ‘female’ and fewer women are in executive roles
When was the first rape crisis centre set up? Why is this significant?
The first rape crisis centre opened in London in 1977
This made people more aware
Consent is significant - it is now taught in sex education and is enshrined in law
