How have attitudes changed towards men and women in the UK? Flashcards
(How?) Representation of the People Act 1918
This gave women over 31 who met the minimum property requirements the right to vote
It was not until the Electoral Reform Act in 1928 that women were politically equal to men - they could vote at 21 and stand as MPs
(How?) The Equal Pay Act 1970
The first of several laws giving a woman the right to the same pay and benefits as a man doing the same job
Since then, several amendments have been made to make conditions far better
Women now had the law to legitimise their claims if they were being treated unequally or wrong
(How?) Problems with the The Equal Pay Act 1970
It is difficult to ensure that women are paid the same because companies changed the title of the women’s jobs
e.g. instead of secretary, they were demoted to typist after the 1970 Act - there was a loophole within the law
(How?) The Sex Discrimination Act 1975
This made it illegal to discriminate against a person based on their gender or marital status
The Equal Opportunities Commission was set up the same year to monitor the Act
(How?) The Employment Right Act 1975
This made it illegal to dismiss a woman for being pregnant or taking maternity leave
In the UK maternity leave has to be paid
(How?) Women’s representation in Parliament
October 1974: 27 women elected August 2008: 19.4% of MPs Scottish Parliament: 40% National Assembly for Wales: 50% More equal representation has been achieved through positive action by some political parties
(How?) Maternity leave
Men can now take paternity leave: they will still be entitled to two weeks of paid paternity leave
Men have the right to take up to 26 weeks leave if their partner returns to work
Women are not expected to have sole care
Women are not expected to give up their job to raise the family
(How?) How much do men earn compared to women?
A recent surveys have shown that jobs available to women are often less-well paid, so that men still earn around 17% more than women
(How?) Five laws that show the changing attitudes to the roles of women:
The Representation of the People Act 1918 The Electoral Reform Act in 1928 The Equal Pay Act 1970 The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 The Employment Right Act 1975
(How?) Women’s representation in Parliament:
October 1974: 27 women elected August 2008: 19.4% of MPs Scottish Parliament: 40% National Assembly for Wales: 50% More equal representation has been achieved through positive action by some political parties
(How?) Women in business
Women run 7% of the FTSE 100 companies
Women are CEO or Managing Director of 12% of global businesses
