Module 7 Lesson 2 Women Fight for Equality

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November 12, 2013

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Women Fight for Equality

Women were shut out of “men’s work” and jobs for women paid poorly. JFK’s Presidential Commission on the Status of Women found that women were paid far less than men for doing same job. Women were seldom promoted to management positions. The Women’s Movement Emerges and Betty Friedan becomes a vocal leader. Betty Friedan’s “The Feminine Mystique” shows women’s dissatisfaction. Feminism - economic, political, social equality for men, women “Women’s Liberation Movement” (Women’s Lib). The Creation of National Organization of Women (NOW), Civil rights laws, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission help women gain more rights. In 1966 the National Organization for Women (NOW) founded by Friedan and others press for day-care centers and more vigorous enforcement by EEOC. And Gloria Steinem helps found National Women’s Political Caucus and publishes Ms. Magazine to promote women’s issues. Gender-based distinctions questioned -like use of husband’s last name, The Higher Education Act bans gender discrimination if federal funding (Title IX) and Congress expands EEOC powers and gives child-care tax break. Also, Roe v. Wade was a 1973 Supreme Court case that ruled a woman’s right to an abortion in first trimester. In 1972 Congress passes Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), but Phyllis Schlafly opposed the amendment because she thought it would lead to drafting women, end child support and promote same sex marriage. Conservatives build a “pro-family” movement which is later called the New Right. It focused on social, cultural, and moral problems. The New Right movement had a huge grassroots support base. The debate continued on family-centered issues with feminists. Americans defeated the ERA. It only got 35 of 38 states for ratification. By 1982 the women’s movement changes roles, attitudes toward career, and family education. Career opportunities expand but many women run into “glass ceiling” which means they are limited in how high up they can be promoted. 1983 -women hold 13.5% elected state offices and only 24 seats in Congress.

http://www.smartgirl.org/writing/forum/archives/feminism.html

Asia Henry : Module 7 Lesson 2 Assignment