how accurate is it to say that government policy consistently advanced sexual equality in the years 1945-79

Introduction

Between 1945 and 1979, Britain witnessed important legal and social changes regarding gender equality. While government policy played a significant role in advancing sexual equality, particularly in the 1970s, it would be inaccurate to describe this progress as consistent across the whole period. For much of the post-war era, advances were slow, limited, and often reactive rather than proactive. Therefore, while government policy eventually contributed meaningfully to gender equality, it did not do so in a consistent manner.

Inconsistent Progress in the Immediate Post-War Era (1945–1960s)

oint:
In the two decades following World War II, progress on gender equality through government policy was minimal.

Evidence:

• After WWII, many women were pushed back into domestic roles as men returned from military service.

• No major gender equality legislation was passed in the 1950s.

• The welfare state, while offering support, often reinforced traditional gender roles (e.g., women as caregivers within the family).

Explain:
Although women gained access to social security and healthcare, the state did little to challenge structural gender inequality or promote women’s independence.

Judgement:
This shows government policy did not consistently advance sexual equality in the earlier part of the period.

Significant Legal Reforms in the 1970s

Point:
The 1970s saw a series of important legal reforms that significantly advanced formal gender equality.

Evidence:

• Equal Pay Act (1970): Required equal pay for equal work.

• Sex Discrimination Act (1975): Prohibited discrimination in employment, education, and services.

• Employment Protection Act (1975): Introduced maternity leave and protections from dismissal.

• Domestic violence policies began to emerge (e.g., funding for women's refuges).

Explain:
These policies marked a major shift in state recognition of women’s rights and began to address structural inequalities in the workplace and society.

Judgement:
Government policy did advance sexual equality, but only late in the period—indicating a lack of consistency over the full 35 years.

Government Often Reacted to External Pressure, Not Led Change

Point:
Many of the reforms were not the result of consistent government commitment to equality but came in response to public and feminist pressure.

Evidence:

• The Women’s Liberation Movement in the late 1960s and 70s brought gender inequality into the national conversation.

• The 1968 Ford Dagenham strike pressured the government to act on equal pay.

• Labour politicians like Barbara Castle championed reforms—but these were driven by individuals, not a consistent party line.

Explain:
This shows the government often acted reactively, and policies were influenced by shifting political and social climates.

Judgement:
Even when reforms occurred, they were not part of a sustained or coherent policy agenda—undermining the idea of consistency.

Persisting Inequalities and Limited Enforcement

Point:
Even when equality laws were introduced, practical implementation was weak, and gender inequality remained widespread.

Evidence:

• Gender pay gap remained large despite the Equal Pay Act.

• Many women were still employed in part-time, low-paid work.

• Lack of state-funded childcare made it difficult for mothers to access full-time employment.

• The legal reforms of the 1970s took years to fully enforce.

Explain:
This shows that although the letter of the law improved, real equality was still elusive, and government did not consistently follow through on its commitments.

Judgement:
Policy may have advanced equality in theory, but not consistently in practice.

conc

It is partially accurate to say that government policy advanced sexual equality between 1945 and 1979, particularly in the early 1970s when landmark legislation was introduced. However, across the entire period, the government's approach was inconsistent, often reactive, and limited by weak enforcement and a failure to challenge traditional gender norms until later on. Therefore, while progress was made, it was neither consistent nor sustained throughout the period.