Civil Rights and Social Movements - Feminist Movements

Women gained the right to vote in the US

Major civil rights victory, but showed that political equality did not guarantee social equality. This victory is a primary manifestation of the movement's early success, yet its limitations in the post-war era proved that political rights did not automatically lead to social or domestic equality. Gave women the right to vote in the U.S., marking the major achievement of the First Wave feminist movement.

Media portrayals of women in the 1950s

These portrayals ignored the reality of women who worked outside the home and pathologized those who expressed dissatisfaction with domestic life. Popular media depicted the "ideal" woman as a happy, well-dressed suburban housewife.These media images served as a primary manifestation of the "opposition" to feminism, as they culturally enforced the gender norms that activists were fighting to dismantle.

Betty Friedan / The Feminine Mystique

published in 1963, identified "the problem that has no name" exposed the widespread unhappiness of women confined to the domestic sphere. challenged the idea that suburban domesticity was fulfilling and encouraged women to pursue education and professional careers and the primary cause for the Second Wave of feminism .

National Organization for Women (NOW)

Founded in 1966 by Betty Friedan and other activists, used legal and political pressure to achieve equality. Focused on ending workplace discrimination, securing reproductive rights, and passing the Equal Rights Amendment through the American state.

Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)

Symbolized both the strength of the feminist movement and growing conservative opposition. A proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would have guaranteed equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of gender, Although it was passed by Congress in 1972 it failed to gain enough state ratifications.

Anti-feminist backlash

Major example of resistance to women's rights, contributing to the ERA's failure. Led by figures such as Phyllis Schlafly, opposing the ERA and challenging feminist goals. Argued feminism threatened traditional family values and women's roles.