Feminism
By: Marilyn Flores
What caused feminism?
During WWII, many women took over the jobs of men while men were away at war. Jobs like welding, machine repair, operating tractors, etc., were common jobs women took over. However, before the war, if women asked for a job a man usually does, business managers would make the excuse that she is taking the job of a man. Managers would rather give the job opportunity to a man. This excuse did not apply during WWII, so women found this to be the perfect chance to prove that women were capable of working in the same jobs and conditions as men. Many women were determined to work outside of their homes, and because of this, army generals saw this as an opportunity as well. According to the article "American Women in World War II," it states "General George Marshall supported the idea of introducing a women’s service branch into the Army." Women were eager to finally get out of their home and experience these new opportunities.
After the war ended and women were back to working at home, they decided to make a change in women rights and policies. Women such as Betty Friedan lead protests that supported women rights, Organizations were created to encourage women to work in politics, and to eliminate gender roles. Feminism still exists today to promote equal rights between men and women.
Politics
"President Wilson agreed to support an amendment to the federal constitution to ban disfranchisement by sex" (Britannica School). It was in the 1960's where women finally spoke out on their feelings about gender roles and women rights. However, gender discrimination has been a topic ever since and before the 1900's. While President Wilson was serving his term, he tried to get as many votes and supporters to pass the amendment that allowed women to vote. He failed, but a year later congress finally passed the 19th amendment.
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Economic Policies
Women searched for job opportunities, but they needed someone to lead them. Betty Friedan, a women's right activist in the 1960's, understood that women who stayed at home often felt less of themselves. They wanted to do more in life other than to be a stay-at-home mom/wife. While she encouraged women to speak up and seek opportunities in politics, she created an organization that would help hundreds of women. The National Organization for Women helps end sexism and end oppression. It supports equal rights to both men and women.
Human Rights
Women continued to fight for their rights and discussions upon abortion became controversial quickly. In the case of Roe Vs. Wade 1973, Roe, a pregnant single mother, challenged a law of Texas that stated abortion was a crime. This case soon moved on to the Supreme Court. Eventually, Roe won and it was finalized that abortion would be legal in the United States. The Supreme Court asserts abortion as "a persons right to privacy." Currently, many still argue that abortion is inhumane, but until then, women have the right to make the decision themselves. Roe Vs. Wade was a big part that changed women's rights.
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Why are some women against feminism?
Bibliography
This source was a secondary source that received its data from studies and it created value as well as a limitation. Since it gave statistics with the primary source, it was reliable and it supported the argument of Feminism. It gives a precise percentage of women who worked during the 1960's. It gives a perspective of the men that did not want to hire women. The limitation would be on how the article does not include any men involved in the movement of feminism.
"Feminism." Britannica School. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2015. Web. 17 Sept. 2015. <http://school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/323096#>.
"Betty Friedan Biography Women's Rights Activist, Journalist (1921–2006)."Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2015.
<http://www.biography.com/people/betty-friedan-9302633>
This source is a secondary source which caused limitation. Since it was in the perspective of the author, I had to make sure I gave factual evidence instead of an opinion. However, the information given created value and helped identify events on specific dates as well as the early life of Betty Friedan. Learning about her life helped emphasize her motives as a feminist.
"Early History." Early History. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2015.
<http://now.org/about/history/statement-of-purpose/>
The National Organization for women is a primary source that creates value. By using this source, I can understand the perspective better of the ideas and intentions of this organization. It was first documented in a National Conference in the 1960's. Therefore, the statement/essay was important during the time period and the organization NOW relied on this statement of purpose. However, the website NOW states that their feelings do not reflect on this essay which creates limitation.
"President Woodrow Wilson Speaks in Favor of Female Suffrage."History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 18 Sept. 2015.