How far did the lives of women improve by 1992 Flashcards
(11 cards)
Political agree 1
It can be argued that the lives of women did improve politically this is because despite not having the vote in 1865, they managed to secure the right to vote through the 19th amendment which stated no one can be denied the vote based on sex.
political agree 2
Furthermore, politically the lives of women saw a level of improvement during Roosevelt’s presidency as it saw the first female being appointed into cabinet (Frances Perkins). This was a benchmark for political representation of women. These improvements are evident as in 1964 women outvoted men in the president elections.
Political agree 3
Also under Clinton’s presidency in 1992, it was deemed the ‘Year of the Women’ Senators tripled to 6 and 28 in the House; one third of Clinton’s appointments were female
Political limitations 1
Despite the passing of the 19th Amendment in 1920 it had limited impact as the majority of women voted for who their husband voted for and little showed interested in the idea that it empowered them. Furthermore, AA and nA women didn’t get the vote until 1934.
Although women were gaining more political representation due to the actions of Roosevelt, the need for the NWPC to be founded in 1971 to encourage women to vote, illustrates how slow progress was.
Despite, 1992 being deemed Year of the Women, only 5% of women held positions in congress and the increase was on a small scale 2- 6 senators
Social agree 1
Despite legislation to hinder any improvement to their lives such as the Comstock Laws 1873, WW1 began to soften attitudes: soldiers were issued condoms and a sympathetic judge ensured the FG had no right to interfere with Sangers birth control clinic as it was being used for medical purposes. As a result, the American Birth Control League was set up in 1921 and first legal birth control clinic established in NYC in 1923.
social agree 2
1938 Sanger won court case to challenge the Comstock Laws and effectively lifted the ban on contraception. which at face value seemed like significant progress for women socially.
social agree 3
it can also be argued that women’s lives improved by 1992 due to a landmark piece of legislation in 1965, Grisworld v Connecticut which made it constitutional for contraception to be used by married couples. This was further strengthened in 1972 in Eisenstadt vs Baird which spread this benefit to all individuals. Following this Roe vs Wade 1973, own actions of women pushed for abortion to be legal
social agree 4
Roe vs Wade 1973, own actions of women pushed for abortion to be legal. Despite significant backlash and Hyde Amendment in 1976 which stopped federal funding for abortion. Planned Parenthood vs Casey 1992 reaffirmed Roe vs Wade and stated the state must not act as an ‘undue burden’.
Social limitations 1
Equal rights amendment has still not been ratified due to significant opposition form likes of Phyllis Schlafly and due to the level of support she had, shows how attitudes had not fully moved from the idea of ‘separate spheres’.
Economic for 1
By 1865 women were denied employment into business, medicine and most significant jobs. They had no equal pay or maternity rights. Despite making some economic progress with employment rising most significant progress was in education. In 1870 more boys than girls were in school, but by 1920 this had become more equal, with roughly two-thirds of white children of both sexes being educated. By 1890 there were more female high school graduates than male and secondary education had expanded generally.
Economic for 2
WW1 facilitated economic opportunities. Three million more women were working by 1918 than in 1865. Between 1917 and 1918, one million women worked in industry. Also gave married women an excuse to leave the domestic sphere as well as AA women to migrate to seek opportunity as well.
