Female American Dream - Social Flashcards
How does employment discrimination affect women’s social standing?
Paid Less than men for same jobs, Likely to be passed over a job for a man, More likely to be made redundant during times of crisis, Passed over promotion in favour of men, Glass ceiling prevented them from reaching the top jobs, No credit for ideas/intelligence, Not given jobs on the basis that they may become pregnant.
How did Harding’s return to normalcy impact women’s attitudes?
Many women returned to their pre war roles as the need for more industrial workers shrunk, although being a shop assistant and a typist opened up to women.
What is the Gibson Girl?
This was a pre First World War standard for women created by Charles Gibson however, this began to fall out of favour after the war.
What are Flappers?
They were very Androgynous and war revealing clothing which challenged the social norms at the time. They also very much de-sexed women and flat silhouettes. They also liked jazz, silk stockings, smoking, drinking, attended male orientated events without a man, drove motorcars, attended speakeasies and jazz clubs which no woman would go to alone.
What was the impact of flappers?
It lead to widespread shock as it broke social norms as well as it being the first symbol for female liberation. However, they were limited due to their small size and limited employment opportunities being available meaning that many returned to their traditional roles. They were still the first pioneers for change.
Who is a famous example of a flapper?
Clara Bow who was a Hollywood flapper, she broke stereotypes and gender norms in movies by playing roles traditionally played by men.
Why was being a flapper inaccessible to many?
It was very much expensive to engage in meaning that many working class women couldn’t afford to take part in it. Furthermore due to prevalent racism within society it was not accessible women of colour either.
How did post second world war retail advertisement effect women?
Before the war women were very much restricted by time and busy days. New items were marketed in a very sexist way that exemplified traditionalism but also meant that women had more time on their hands as consumerism swept the country, retail advertisements.
What are the changing attitudes to married women working towards the First World War?
1936 - 82% shouldn’t.
1938 - 78% shouldn’t.
1942 - 13% shouldn’t.
1978 - 38% shouldn’t.
How did the Second World War impact women’s attitude to work?
Women wanted to keep working as they’d gained an appetite and validation through work, unlike the Great Depression where work was forced and unsupported.
Which newspaper published for women in the Second World War?
The Women’s Land Army of America had it’s own publication which was called Women’s Land Army Newsletter.
How did the media impact Women during the 1950’s?
They strongly encouraged women to return to their traditional roles in society through means such as advertisement. They also worked to restore gender inequality in the home which they justified by saying that the average home did not need two streams of income during the Golden Age.
What happened to married, divorced and widowed women after the second world war?
Continued to engage in work in various labour activities with no provisions for the Lanham Act.
Which Sitcom reinforced 1950’s attitudes?
“I love Lucy” sitcom further established the housewife rhetoric. This was especially influential as the TV was becoming more and more important in the home. TV ownership increased by 9% to 90%.
What was the Life Magazine Ideal woman in 1956?
It was very much unhealthy and unrealistic, getting married at 16, being accomplished at having babies, being pretty and popular, planning to study French, excellent mother and hostess.
