The Changing Role of Women

Question 1

Employment

Answer 1

25% increase in the number of women working during the 1920s. Found jobs as telephonists, typists, clerks. 10.6 million women are employed outside the home.

Question 2

Rights

Answer 2

1920 Nineteenth Amendment gives women the right to vote. This is encouraged by their participation in the home front during WW1.
1928 - 25 State governors who are female.

Question 3

Society

Answer 3

Shorter skirts, smoking public, shorter haircuts. Women began to drive cars, increasing spending on jewelry and make-up. Divorce rate doubled. Beauty salons spread across America. New dances developed, which were more daring, such as the Shimmy and the Bunny Hug. Women began to attend bars, nightclubs on their own. Petting Parties and Flirt Clubs began where women kissed men in public.

Question 4

Extent of Change

Answer 4

Working class and rural women were not able to take on the flapper life-style. Black women were not affected by these changes. Bible Belt states did not adopt these fashions.