Women Fight for Equality; p. 776

Today’s goal A growing number of women, through the work of pundits, writers, and activists, grew more assertive and aggressive about equality and rights. There were protests and marches to confront social and economic barriers.

Vocabulary Betty Friedan Writer of The Feminine Mystique, questioning why many women had a gut feeling that their lives needed to be fulfilled and the American dream was not doing that for them. She dubbed the issue “the problem with no name” 1964, she discusses men worksheet

ideological Concerned with or following a certain set of ideas, beliefs. Women who joined in ideological movements—anti-war, civil rights—found themselves unable to be leaders, cast in lesser roles. They were not listened to by male members, in most cases.

feminism The belief that women should have economic, political and social equality with men. Started in the mid-1800s, picked up pace in the 1920s with the gaining of women’s suffrage. Revived in the 1960s….. Demanded more respect for women…..

National Organization for Women (NOW) 1966, started by Betty Friedan and 27 others. “to confront with concrete action the conditions which now prevent women from enjoying the equality of opportunity….which is their right as individual Americans and as human beings.” By 1970, over 175,000 members Wanted: Child-care centers to free mothers to pursue jobs and education Pressure on the EEOC to vigorously enforce the ban on gender discrimination in hiring. Declare sex-segregated job ads illegal Issue guidelines to employers, stating that they could no longer refuse to hire women for traditionally male jobs. Burned or threw away their bras, girdles, wigs, and other “women’s garbage” that restricted or stereotyped women.

Gloria Steinem Journalist who became a vocal activist. 1971, started the National Women’s Political Caucus Encourage women to seek political office. 1972, Began Ms Magazine Discussion of women’s issues with a feminist perspective

Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) Congressed passed it in 1972. Originated in 1923 It needed ratification by 38 states. Would guarantee that both men and women would enjoy the same rights and protections under the law. Conservatives, including many women and religious groups, felt it would lead to “a parade of horribles”: Women in the draft End of laws protecting homemakers End of husband’s responsibility to provide for his family Promote same-sex marriages By 1982, it failed to gain the 38 states it needed to be ratified into the Constitution.

hwk

p. 777, interpreting graphs 1. 2. 1950: 37% 1970: 33% 2000: 76% 1950: 37% 1970: 33% 2000: 76% 2. 12% of the total work force

p. 777, analyzing effects They spurred women to demonstrate for equality by both inspiring them to act and opening their eyes to their unequal treatment.

p. 778, analyzing causes Their dissatisfaction with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) the need for a more organized effort to combat sexism

p. 779, making generalizations Women were treated more equally in jobs and education New laws protected women’s equality Gender became a less significant fact about a person.

p. 779, analyzing motives Fear of change and the perceived drastic effects the amendment might have had on traditional family life.

p. 780, 3, hypothesizing Women might have won more sex-discrimination lawsuits The “glass ceiling” might have been less of a problem for professional women Ratification might have spurred a powerful male backlash Phyllis Schlafly and other opponents of the ERA might have formed organizations to undermine the amendment.

p. 780, 4, analyzing visual sources It captures the notion that women’s roles are multi-faceted Many are forced to juggle their responsibilities in society and in the family.

Phyllis Schlafly Vocal conservative leader against the ERA, abortion, and same-sex marriage. Said of NOW women, that they “hate men, marriage, and children” and that any oppression women were under was “only in their distorted minds.” A more recent talk of hers…..

Brief Response How did the feminist movement develop? How was it opposed?