To what extent did the federal government hinder the development of women’s rights in the USA in the period 1865-1992 Flashcards
(14 cards)
Political for 1
Indeed the FG did hinder women’s political civil rights as they weren’t included in the 15th Amendment 1870, this denied them the right to vote despite pushing for it while AA were granted suffrage instead.
Political for 2
Following the passing of the 19th Amendment after a long campaign for suffrage. it is evident they were too slow as it was passed 50 years after 15th Amendment and they gave no promotion or encouragement to women voting
Political for 3
FG were also too slow to appoint women into federal positions and it was only during Roosevelt’s presidency that Frances Perkins was appointed into cabinet. This shows when the FG were sympathetic, women were able to be politically represented. Furthermore, by 1992 only 5% of congress was female which shows the lack of support women had in federal positions.
Political against 1
It can be argued that attitudes were the main hindrance to political progression as despite having the 19th Amendment passed which granted women suffrage.
Social for 1
It can be argued that the FG were the main hindrance to social rights due to the passing of the Comstock Laws 1873 which essentially banned the use of contraception and it was driven ‘under the counter’.
social limitations 1
key pieces of legislation such as Grisworld vs Connecticut 1965 which allowed the use of contraception for married couples. This was followed by Eisenstadt vs Baird in 1972 which spread this exemption to single individuals as well. This shows that the FG instead helped progress women’s rights.
social against 1
The most important hindrance was the divisions between women. This is evident with the Phyllis Schaffly campaign which prevented the ratification of the ERA.
This is because many women were worried that the ERA would make them subject to military
service or having to use unisex bathrooms. Furthermore, pro-abortionists were concerned that women would lose
exclusive rights over their bodies granted by Roe vs Wade, as the rights of the father would be equally recognised.
The result of all these divisions was that the three quarters majority was never achieved; hence it was never ratified
social against 2
It can also be argued that certain climates
Economic for 1
It can be argued FG were the main hindrance to women’s economic progression due to key bits of legislation cutting out domestic workers. for example, FLSA 1938 didn’t apply to domestic workers and neither did the Social Security Act 1935 This introduced old age benefits, unemployment insurance and aid for those with disabilities or victims of industrial accidents.
Economic for 2
it can also be argued that equal pay act in 1963 was too little and too late, By 1970, women’s earnings
were equal to 62% of male earnings, rising to 80% in 2004. Didn’t have a significant amount of impact and acted as an amendment for the FLSA 1938.
Economic For 3
After efforts in WW2 women were excluded from the GI bill which put 8 million men into further education and widening the skills gap. Also increased competition in work place and higher education positions.
economic limitations 1
Despite undoubtable hindrance stemming form FG, they did contribute to economic progression. Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974, which stated that no creditor can discriminated against any applicant on the grounds of race, color, religion,
gender and age.
economic for 4
Bush vetoed Family and Medical Leave Act 1992: no paid maternity leave; hindrance to women
pursuing careers. The vetoing of the Child Development Act by
Nixon in 1972 has resulted in a lack of high quality, federally funded day care, a key hindrance to women’s pursuance
of careers, especially senior managerial roles. Glass Ceiling Commission of 1991: findings: only 5% of senior
management positions were held by women in the Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies
economic against 1
it can be argued that climates were a large hindrance to economic rights as despite economic opportunity drastically increasing during war periods. By the end of 1946 2 mil women had been fired. During GD women were fired to ensure more males were employed. In 1936 a Gallup poll suggested that 82% of Americans were opposed to women working. Twenty six states
actually introduced laws banning married women from working at all
