The Women’s Movement Feminism Revived:

Significance Cultural definitions of femaleness and maleness reshaped.

Criticism of compulsory heterosexuality reduced stigma of single and/or homosexual lives.

Substantial change in punitive attitudes/laws on rape anddomestic violence.

Establishment of women’s right to work/equal pay.

Rebirth of history of women.

Origins Feminists of 1910s+

NWP: Equal Rights Amendment

Social reforms in New Deal

1920 “Flapper”

Emergence Economy draws increasing numbers of women

More women in higher ed.

Availability of The Pill

Civil Rights Movement

Commission on Status, 1961

“Problem with No Name”

Betty Friedan, c. 1963

Challenge to educated homemakers

Working Women Organize

1964: Commission reports pervasive sex discrimination; State commissions formed.

1964: Title VII prohibits job discrimination

1966: NOW born out of national convention for State Commissions on Women

Gloria Steinem Journalist

Article about Playboy bunnies

1969 article: “After Black Power, Women’s Liberation”

1972: Ms. Magazine founded

1934-?

Young Women Organize

1965: White women within civil rights and “New Left” groups discuss sexism

Sought radical critique of system like other sixties groups

Embraced decentralization esp. “consciousness raising groups”

1968 “Women’s Liberation” protest, Miss America pageant

Radical Critique

Gender constructed by society, not biology

Critique of : nuclear family; normative heterosexuality; violence against women; sexist health care, etc.

1970

Counter-culture Mid-1970s:

Interest in female separatism,Counter culture pursuitsWeakened radical feminism

By default, liberal feminism became“voice” of feminism

Mainstream Attention

King-Riggs grudge match, 1973

“Battle of the Sexes,” Sept. 1973

Billie Jean King v. Bobby Riggs

Push for ERA

Alice Paul, 1885-1977

ERA March on Washington, 1978

ERA Progress 1972 passage

7-year deadline

22 states 1st year

3-year extension

35 of 38 states ratified

Renewed push

Backlash Feminism means male irresponsibility,more female vulnerability

ERA would eliminate privacy rights, force abortions, send women into combat, deny spousal support, etc.

Changes Proceed?

Movement expands into multiplicity of causes:

Violence & Pornography

Athletics

Education

Women’s Studies/History

Legislative Reform

Electoral successes

Women in Sports

2003-2004 Survey of High School Athletics

Long & Wide ViewUnited Nations Decade of Women Millenium Development GoalsGoal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.

Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education.

Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women.

Goals 4 and 5: Reduce child mortality and improve maternalhealth. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases.

Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases.

Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability.

Goal 8: Develop a global partnership for development.

Significance Cultural definitions of femaleness and maleness reshaped.

Criticism of compulsory heterosexuality reduced stigma of single and/or homosexual lives.

Substantial change in punitive attitudes/laws on rape anddomestic violence.

Establishment of women’s right to work/equal pay.

Rebirth of history of women.

Questions?