Rights (73-80)

Question 1

Explain the development, or lack of, in women’s rights by the 70s

Answer 1

• Increased since early 60s
• Greater freedom to sexual lives
• Roe Vs Wade ‘73 - right to abortion
• More women in the workplace
• 66% of adults in poverty were women

Question 2

Explain the development, or lack of, in workers’ rights by the 70s

Answer 2

• Unions initially appeared more powerful - 20 million people belonged to unions
• 1974 - 32 million working days lost to strikes
• Employers hated unions - communism connotations
• Foreign workers were willing to work for lower wages after the ‘65 immigration legislation, thus unions weren’t as necessary

Question 3

Explain the development, or lack of, in gay rights by the 70s

Answer 3

• Suffered employment discrimination and public hostility
• Considered a mental illness that could be cured until ‘74
• Stonewall Riots generated more pride
• San Francisco - Ordinance passed in ‘72 banning employment discrimination due to sexual orientation

Question 4

Explain the development, or lack of, in the rights of Native Americans in the 70s

Answer 4

• 1973 - 1/2 of the population lived short hard lives - high unemployment rates, high rates of suicide and alcoholism
• By 1980, the Red Power had contributed to a greater awareness of NA rights to self-determination (right to rule over their own people and land)

Question 5

Explain the development, or lack of, in rights of Black Americans in the 70s

Answer 5

• 1/3 of black Americans were below the poverty line
• Black infant mortality rate was higher than any other
• 1/3 of black workers had low status, low skilled jobs in low wage occupations
• Major problem with ghetto crime, poverty and unemployment
• 1971 - Desegregation in schools declared by the Supreme Court
• More black Americans were elected mayors in major cities