Women’s Activism in the 1950s and 1960s “Who run the world?” --Beyoncé “Man, I feel like a woman.” --Shania Twain

1950s: Hidden Activism Fear of communism polarized politics ( “us” v. “them”) so any non democratic, capitalist view was silenced everywhere – in schools, government, universities, etc. Any opposition was “un-American” and not tolerated Activists were targeted and often fired Therefore, many people didn’t voice their views if they were different than the government However, activist organizations remain to fight for various causes like civil rights for blacks, Latinos, gays, workers, etc. Separated “women’s issues” from “labor” and “race”

Unions Because women made up a greater percentage of the workforce, they joined existing unions like the Congress of Industrial Organization (CIO) or created new unions to protect themselves in the workplace Black women became some of the most militant female activists in many unions like who challenged racial discrimination and advocated for a cleaner workplace and better pay Unions were predominantly made up of working class women and women of color

Voluntary Associations Because many middle class women did not work outside the home, they could not join labor unions Thus, they participated in voluntary associations like the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) These organizations focused on women’s rights and social reform as well as civil rights

Feminism and Civil Rights Race, gender, and class were all connected so the issues the unions and voluntary associations as well as the working class, middle class, and elites were working on were connected and can be labeled “feminist”

What is feminism? What it is NOT: A white, middle class problem in opposition to either working class women or women who work in the home Against men Women rejecting the role of housewife Includes problems faced by ALL women of ALL races and socioeconomic statues What it is: Creating an equal, just society for EVERYONE

How is feminism connected to Civil Rights Movements? It connects race, class, and gender in ways that affected black women as well as Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans Community organizing involved women and built the movement around their concerns The goals of feminism and the Civil Rights Movement were connected because both fought for: Civil and political equality were about women Economic issues: poverty Job-related issues: affirmative action, discrimination Discrimination in housing Peace vs. war/violence