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the women s movement inthe usa in 1960
the women s movement inthe usa in 1960
civil rights movement and feminism
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Between the years of 1950 and 1975, Americans witnessed a number of demographic and social changes. Following a baby boom in the 1950s, generations of women who had grown up during the Great Depression and World War I sought stability through a renewed interest in domestic traditions. In contrast, more married, middle-aged and middle-class women took advantage of new vocational opportunities afforded by a strong economy. Despite their increased presence in the work force, women living in this decade experienced internal guilt and external resistance when they pursued positions in fields that did not appeal to their “household skills.” All the same, the Women’s Bureau encouraged employers to hire women in addition to their efforts to standardize maternity leave and day-care facilities. As an increased number of educated women attempted to balance the care of children and careers, a liberated political atmosphere comprised the 1960s. Primed for revolution, the decade began with the passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and the establishment of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EECO) in 1964. Women, especially black women, hoped this law and commission would end the struggle for equal pay and treatment in the workplace. Unfortunately, this goal was not quickly achieved. In the mean time, women focused their energy on the Civil Rights Movement. Having served as crucial proponents for affirmative action and the Civil Rights Bill, they gained vital experience as volunteers, demonstrators, political writers and public speakers—skills that would aid future feminist initiatives. The decade also witnessed the publication of Feminine Mystique. In this controversial series, Betty Freidan disputed the traditional notion that women... ... middle of paper ... ...spectives and backgrounds can successfully ignite progress by choosing to unite under a common cause. Bill comments on this mentality when he states, “Herds. They stay together, they have a chance. They separate, they’re easy prey.” Like Josey/Lois, I too become infuriated by instances of sexual harassment and contemptuousness. Ultimately, the film reminded me of my personal power and thus obligation to ensure our society does not reach such a dark point of regression. Works Cited George Mason University. “An Outline of the Anita Hill and Clarence Thomas Controversy.” Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media. http://chnm.gmu.edu/courses/122/ hill/hillframe.htm (accessed November 12, 2013). North Country. DVD. Directed by Niki Caro. Warner Bros, 2005. Woloch, Nancy. Women and the American Experience: a Concise History. 2nd ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2002.