Feminist Victories and Defeats Chapter 39, Section 11

The Feminist Movement During the 1970s, the feminist movement became energized and became much more aggressive. Title IX prohibited sex discrimination in any federally funded education program. It’s largest impact was seen in the emergence of girls’ sports. The Supreme Court entered the fray in the feminist movement. The Court’s decisions challenged sex discrimination in legislation and employment. The Roe v. Wade case legalized abortion, arguing that ending a pregnancy was protected under a right to privacy.

Even more ambitious was the ERA (Equal Rights Amendment) to the Constitution. ERA sought to guarantee gender equality through words. Phyllis Schlafly led other women against ERA. Schlafly said ERA advocates were, “bitter women seeking a constitutional cure for their personal problems.” She used the following arguments against the ERA amendment: It would deprive a woman’s right to be a wife. It would require women to serve in combat. It would legalize homosexual marriage. 38 state legislatures adopted the amendment, 41 were necessary, and the ERA ended.

Source I O- Feminist rallies in Washington during the 70s C- This photograph displays the masses of women in favor of the ERA amendment to the Constitution. P- The purpose of this source is to demonstrate the overwhelming support for the ERA bill. V- Photographic evidence of the support for the bill. L- The photograph does not show any of the opposition to the ERA.

Source II O- A march in Washington as a part of the feminist movement C- This photograph displays several women marching with signs protesting violence and women’s roles. P- To improve women’s rights in society and emphasize their integral role in society—not as housewives V- Emphasis on the idea that “the personal is the political” L- Does not display any of the reforms actually made as a result of protests.

O- Feminist rallies in Washington during the 70s; i front of the White House C- This is a photograph of several women protesting the ERA amendment to the constitution P- The purpose of this photograph is to show opposing views to the ERA V- The value of this source is that it represents the views of women opposed to the ERA L- The limitations of this source are that it does not take into account those in favor of the ERA Source III

Compare and Contrast Source I suggests the vast rise of feminist movements; similarly, Source III suggests a more open attitude towards allowing women to voice their opinions. Although the women in these photographs represent different views, these sources depict the rise in feminine opinions in the 70s. Source I disagrees with Source III regarding the implementation of the ERA amendment to the constitution. The women in the photograph in Source I are in favor of the ERA, while those protesting in Source III oppose it.

Questions Evaluate how Title IX increased women’s participation in sports. Describe the argument for, and against, the ERA.