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The Fight for Equality: Women's Rights and Feminism

This chapter provides a brief history of the women's rights movement, highlighting key events such as the suffrage movement, women's roles during WWI and WWII, and the challenges faced in achieving equality. It explores the impact of traditional family roles, physical differences, and sexism in hindering progress. The chapter also discusses important milestones, including the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women, Betty Friedan's book "The Feminine Mystique," and the formation of organizations like the National Organization for Women (NOW) and the National Women's Political Caucus. It addresses significant court cases, such as Roe v. Wade, and the proposed Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). Finally, it examines the accomplishments of the women's rights movement in changing societal perceptions, expanding educational opportunities, increasing women's representation in diverse fields, and inspiring more female elected officials.

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The Fight for Equality: Women's Rights and Feminism

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  1. Chapter 23 Section 2 NotesWomen’s Rights

  2. Feminism • The Belief Women Should be treated = to men

  3. Brief History of Feminism • Women suffrage movement begins after Civil War • Takes about 50 yrs for women to vote (1920) • Women work during WWI and WWII • Gain independence, better pay, more opportunities • Most lose these things when wars are over • Many don’t like it! Want Good Jobs Too! • Post WWII advertising portray women as • Homemakers • Obedient to Husbands • Beauty objects Barbie was 1st Sold In 1959

  4. Why does it take so long for Women to Get Equality? • Simple • Men don’t want to give up power accumulated over centuries Traditional Family Roles Religious leaders Physical Superiority The avg. size of an American male is 5 ft, 10 in., 195 lbs. while The avg. size of an American female is 5 ft, 4 in., 165 lbs.

  5. 3 Things That Change in the 1960s • 1. Presidential Commission on the Status of Women • Group formed by JFK(1961). They issue a report (1963).3 Key Findings: • A. Women get less $ than men doing the same job • RESULTS IN EQUAL PAY ACT • wages still not totally = according to stats (worse for minorities) • B. Only one third of all workers were women • Nowadays… almost half of the workforce is • C. Women rarely got promoted to management positions • Better nowadays… still considered to have a “glass ceiling” (I’ll explain)

  6. 2.Other Movements in the 1960s weresexist • Sexism = Women treated differently (usually worse) than men • Why? Viewed as not smart enough, strong enough, less important • How are they viewed then? Sex objects, weak, subservient to men • Women not given prominent roles within various movements • Civil Rights for Blacks, Hispanics, Native Ams. • Vietnam War Protests

  7. 3. Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique • Book that suggests women should organize to achieve equality and have a more fulfilled life • Becomes a Best Seller – She becomes a leader in the movement Friedan Became A leader In NOW

  8. National Organization for Women (NOW)– formed in 1966 • Purpose:Have Govt. move faster to get women more = treatment and deal with issues that concern women • Main issues: • Women controlling their own bodies • Access to = Opportunities in Education • College, Sports • Child Care incentives for employers • Punishing Employers that discriminate against women All the Goals of the NOW

  9. National Women’s Political Caucus – formed in 1971 • Mainly Organized byGloria Steinem • Started Ms. Magazine – 1st one geared towards feminism (still around) • Encouraged Women to run for political office • Shirley Chisholm – 1st African American female in House of Reps.

  10. Roe v Wade (1973) • Supreme Court case allowing women to have an abortion in: • 1st 3 months of pregnancy in all cases • 2nd 3 months of pregnancy in some cases • Last 3 months of pregnancy in rare cases • Decision supported by feminist groups • Still debated today

  11. Proposed Equal Rights Amendment(ERA)(1972) • had been introduced 4 times previously • 1st after WWI • Said men and women should be = under the law • Supported by feminists • Passed by both houses of U.S. Congress • Only ratified by 35 state Congresses • Needed 38 to get added to the Constitution

  12. Why didn’t the ERA pass? • The New Rightled opposition to the ERA • Mostly religious conservatives • Led by priests, ministers • Phyllis Schlafly • Vocal female against the ERA • Their argument: • “What was wrong with traditional roles?” • Could lead to a bunch of “bad things” • Same sex marriages • “deadbeat dads” • Women drafted into military service • Other Impact: Elected many conservative Republicans

  13. Accomplishments of Women’s Rights Movement • Changing most women’s minds on their goals in life • From just a family to a family + career • All kinds of equal educational opportunities • Higher Ed. Act, Title IX, etc… • Increased women’s opportunities in good careers • Medical, Law, Business, etc… • Many more female elected officials • Still not = representation Title IX Comparison

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