Women Factor Q Flashcards
Intro/ Conc
Activism was important because it served as a catalyst to kickstart the advancements of their rights and remained consistent despite divisions amongst activists, however, activism often relied on broader societal influences like the federal government and the economy to sustain any gains.
The Federal government was important for institutionalizing the gains achieved through women’s activism through legislation and court rulings, however, the federal government was often reactive rather than proactive meaning its support was inconsistent.
The economy was important as it provided opportunities to reshape women’s gender roles within society creating a suitable climate for activism, however, it did not inherently advance women’s civil rights without advocacy because it was once again inconsistent.
Actions of women
For: Activism groups saw women’s involvement and assertion of their platform in the public sphere.
NAWSA 1890 and WCTU 1874 were pivotal in achieving gains like the 19th amendment, mobilized grassroot movements, championed state-by-state campaigns and pressured administrations.
The Woman Suffrage Procession 1913- first, organized march on Washington 5-10k members, however faced backlash from Slyvester.
Activism began to be diversified:
Feminine Mystique 1963- demonstrates inadequacies, mobilized women, but radical.
NOW 1966- formed to fight for equal rights, landmark Roe V Wade 1973, Equal Pay Act 1963.
New York Strike for Equality in 1970- 20,000 women participate, marches for Roe V Wade.
BOTH USE ACTIONS AND ORGANISED MARCHES TO PRESSURE ADMINISTRATION.
Against
Became more divided and expanded which limited impact.
NAOWS- The anti-suffrage movement - 500,000 members in 1919.
NWSA and AWSA divisions, activist groups were often divided by race, class etc. African American women often marginalized.
By 1910, only four states had passed the right to vote for women; demonstrating a long and fragmented process.
Failure to pass the ERA in the 20s/70s
Alice Paul’s campaign
Phyllis Schaffly’s National Committee against the ERA.
Actions of govt
For: did deliver landmark legislation that changed the lives of women, however, it was mostly a reaction of activism until the latter part of the century.
Wyoming Suffrage Law 1869.
19th Amendment 1920- enfranchised women; however, was a result of pressure which exemplifies reaction rather than proactive.
Roosevelt- women entered the political sphere, appointed Hattie Carraway and Frances Perkins.
Kennedy and Johnson- receptive because of the work of NOW.
The Equal Pay Act 1963 and Civil Rights Act 1964 addressed gender-based disparities, the result of activism groups like NOW.
United States v Griswold 1965, the right to privacy, Roe v Wade 1973, result of activism.
Planned Parenthood v Casey 1992- upheld Roe v Wade 1973.
Against- reactive and limited in scope. General reluctance to accept women as members of the public sphere.
Federal action largely excluded women in the 20th century through the 14th Amendment 1868, inserted ‘male’ into the constitution.
Reacted to women’s activism not on own terms.
Muller v Oregon 1908- used to justify sex discrimination.
Women couldn’t serve on juries in all states until 1973.
Women couldn’t get credit cards until 1974 under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.
Role of the economy
For: provided opportunities to reshape women’s gender roles within society.
Industrialization and WW1/2 brought women in the workforce in great numbers; introduction of women in the public sphere.
Industrialization- women made up 17% of the workforce by 1900, 949k women working; however, they worked in professions that consolidated the ‘private sphere’ notions.
WW1/2- 6 million women joined industry, made up 35% of the workforce by 1945, cultural icon of ‘Rosie the riveter’ symbolizing their contribution, however posts were temporary, and women returned to the home after the war finished.
1970- 38% of the workforce.
Work did become more accessible through the transition from an industrial to the service sector.
Against Inconsistent
Economic downturns reinforced traditional gender roles.
90s/30s/50s- women forced out of jobs to priorities male employment.
Women in work but confined to ‘domestic’ professions like teachers etc.
Social attitude of the ‘Angel in the House’.
1979- women earned 62% of male wages.
