Topic 3: Society and Culture in Change Flashcards
Describe the American Dream for women in the years 1917-1980
Women strived for equality throughout this period in voting and employment, making their American Dream diffeently from that of men whose rights regarding these matters were never under threat. For many women, the American Dream was the freedom to achieve the things they wanted in life without stigma or legal barriers that prevented them from succeeding, such as going into work and being paid a fair wage equal to their male counterparts. Additionally, women wanted to be seen as equal to men, who were seen as by far more superior in society and the authoritative individual in families, a perspective which barred earlier progress with women gaining the vote. In short, the female American Dream was women reclaiming their place in society.
Describe the American Dream for immigrants
Immigrants entered America in the hope of attaining the ‘American Dream’, which for them provided employment and a place for them and their families to thrive. However, despite immigration being simple at first, it later became harder to access and social attitudes began to sway against the matter, which for many optimistic indovoduals dampened their aspirations. Whilst employment was fairly easy to find, employers chose to hire immigrants because they could be easily exploited and provided the cheap labour businesses required to maximise profits. Therefore, the American Dream for immigrants was the ability to travel to America and make a life in the ‘land of opportunity’ through fair and safe employment.
Explain how the American Dream was portrayed through popular culture
Pop culture reflected the desires of the American people and set standards that society deemed makred the pinnacle of the American Dream. This became even more poignant during the consumer-driven period of the 1950s, which was assisted by television and advertising as TV ownership became increasingly common. Cinema mirrored society;s desires and began the trend of idolising Hollywood stars who appeared to be emblematic of the American Dream. Music became a way for the younger generations in particular to rebel against society’s expectations through new genres such as rock ‘n’ roll, pioneering artists like Elvis Presley and breaking down social barriers with Black artists such as Chuck Berry.
Outline the life of women in the USA in the years 1917-1920, considering societal expectations, the First World War and rights and freedoms
America’s involvement in the First World War meant that many women were entering the workplace for the first time in order to keep up with the demand of industries and fill the gaps left by soldiers. Prior to the war, women were unable to vote and female franchise was not part of the mainstream conversation in America, with women expected to conform to societal expectations such as the ‘Gibson Girl’. This ideal emerged in the early 1900s and was considered a more progressive vision for modern women to aspire to be, with the ‘Gibson Girl’ being educated and having opinions of her own; however, these opinions were rarely voiced due to women being subservient and ‘Gibson Girls’ were by no means associated with the radical Suffragettes. Fortunately, after the outbreak of war, this standard faded away as women were expected to participate in the way effort despite being paid less than their male counterparts. After the war ended, women were expected to return to their places in the home when soldiers returned, which was when their ideas surrounding women gaining the vote became more prominent and major social change began to occur. This eventually led to the 19th Amendment in which women were enfranchised, later ratified on 18 August 1920; however, female suffrage still divided America.
To what extent did flapper represent all women in society?
Flappers represented many young women in 1920s America, who were experiencing a period of hedonism following the First World War, resulting in young people adopting more adventurous approaches to life. For young women, this meant heating the ‘Gibson Girl’ stereotype of the early 1900s and embracing their independence, as well as experimenting with style and appearance. Flappers had shorter hair and skirts, and were bolder makeup which created new beauty standards that were revolutionary for the time as women were typically expected to wear natural-looking makeup.
Explain the reactions of people to the flapper girls
The Flapper Girls caused shock, particularly across the older generation, due to their rejection of societal expectations that generations before had accepted and changes in ambitions. Fallowr worked, smoked and drank in public, drove and made appearances in male-centred spaces without a male escort, which was revolutionary at the time due to their complete subversion of traditional gender roles. They also made changes to their appearances in the hope of competing with men in society, which some saw as the ‘de-sexing’ of women and feared they were rejecting femininity.
Explain the impact of the Great Depression on women
Whilst the Great Depression generally affecred people according to class as opposed to gender, many women were left as the bredwinner of American families following the wave of unemployment. Pink-collar jobs, as they were referred to at the time, largely remained safe when jobs were at risk, which left women often facing the struggle of being both the main earner and a housewife due to husbands refusing to do housework. Raising children also became a problem for women who were in employment, particularly as some men left their families after losing their jobs as childcare provided another economic hardship. Women in the workplace faced resentment from men who lost their jobs and felt emasculated due to women’s jobs being fairly stable in comparison to their own.
To what extent did the New Deal help women?
Men were deemed as the priority in New Deal policies, leaving support for women few and far between despite their active role in the workforce by this time. There were som New Deal policies that provided aid for families with dependent children, but there were no such policies dedicated to supporting women. Despite there being no Alphabet Agencies specifically for women, around thirty-six camps were created which provided unemployed women basic ammenities as well as educational and career opportunities, the first of these being ‘Camp Tera’.
Who was Frances Perkins?
Frances Perkins was the frist female Cabinet Minister appointed as part of the Executive’s team. She was appointed as Secretary for Labour as part of Roosevelt’s 1933 election and was instrumental in making many laws that protected worker’s rights. Her passion in protecting worker’s rights began after witnessing the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, during which 146 people died due to decreased regulations in factories. Perkins introduced social security, minimum wage, 40-hour working weeks, unemployment benefits, safw working conditions and child labour laws.
How did Perkins contribute to the New Deal?
As Secretary for Labour, Perkins was instrumental in implementing several New Deal policies which guaranteed workers had safe and appropriate conditions attached to their employment. Perkins was involved in the introduction of social security, minimum wage, 40-hour working weeks, unemployment benefits, safe working conditions and child labour laws.
Explain the role of Eleanor Roosevelt during the Great Depression
As a diplomat and humanitarian in her own righy arguably, Eleanor Roosevelt’s political tenacity did not go unnoticed during FDR’s years in office. She was considered a very liberal-minded individual and supported both women’s rights and civil rights as well as carrying a specific interest in child welfare, housing reform and equal rights, making her a controversial figure at them time, Eleanor Roosevelt instituted White House press conferences purely for female correspondents, furthering the female agenda. Truman saw her value as a politician and employed Rossevelt following FDR’s death, thereby proving her capabilities in American politics.
What might Perkins and E. Roosevelt serve as an inspiration for others?
The presence of these women as influential figures in American politics showcased to the nation the capabilities of women in the workplace, particularly at a time when women were being restricted to the home. Whilst FRD’s presidency brought women back into employment, this may not have been possible without the outbreak of war. Perkins and Eleanor Roosevelt would have also encouraged women to take hobs that under the ‘pink-collar’ umbrella and to aspire to be more than housewives.
Explain the Selective Service and Training Act
Prior to America’s entry into the Second World War, the government pre-empted their involvement and brought in the Selective Service and Training Act in 1940. This prepared to draft men into the military and train women in different industries such as ship building and aircraft assembly in order to fill the roles of men.
How did the Lanham Act enable more women to work during the war?
Prior to 1941 and the introduction of the Lanham Act, only 16% of married women were working due to childcare problems. This problem was eliminated by the Lanham Act which extended childcare provisions due to how expensive it is. By 1944, there were 130,000 children in daycare, meaning more mothers were in work and contributing to the war effort.
Assess the contribution of women during the war
Around 350,000 women served in the US Armed Forces both at home and abroad doing jobs such as switchboard clerks, typists, ambulance drivers and non-combat army duty, the latter two being dangerous positions. 200,000 women also joined the Women’s Armed Corps and 6 million women worked in munition factories. Between 1940 and 1945, women in employment increased from 27% to 37%.
How far did the Second World War advance the position of women?
The Second World War acted as a catalyst for social change in America as a stigma surrounding married women being in employment declined rapidly. In 1936, 82% of people believed married women should not work, which reduced to just 13% in 1942. However, the end of the war signified a return to traditional roles as the 1950s saw a clash in men’s needs with the push for a return to normalcy post-war in comparison to women’s needs. Unfortunately, the 1950s resulted in the ‘decade of conformity’ in which many women returned to the home.
Explain the impact suburbia had on women, discussing stereotypes, executions and what life was like for women in the suburbs
What did JFK pledge to do about women’s rights?
Discuss the Equal Pay Act
Why were the 1960s a period of opportunity for women?
Why was the Civil Rights Act significant for women’s rights?
To what extent had women been successful in their quest for rights by 1965?
Who was Betty Friedan, and why was she so significant to the Female Rights Movement?
Explain the aims of the Female Liberation Movement
