The Revival of Feminism in America
A well circulated excerpt from a 1950’s home economics textbook describes the steps necessary to be a good wife. According to the book, a woman’s goal is to “Try to make [her] home a place of peace and order where [her] husband can renew himself in body and spirit” (How to be a good wife). The years following World War II saw a major push for returning women to their pre-war positions as homemakers. Many women could not find satisfaction in a life of raising children and tending to their husbands’ needs. This sentiment, and other social condition’s present in the 1960’s helped bring about the resurgence of the feminist movement. The articles in The Revival of Feminism, Chapter 15 in Binder and Reimers’ The Way We Lived, offer many insights into the objectives of the feminist movement of the latter half of the twentieth century.
William H. Chafe’s essay, “The Revival of Feminism” explains the background and goals of the modern feminist movement. He states that throughout the United States’ history “women’s right advocates had succeeded in focusing attention on their grievances only at a time of generalized social reform” (Chafe 291). The civil rights movement focused the country’s attention on discrimination of minority groups, thereby “[providing] a model” (291) of action for feminists. Chafe discusses the “feminine mystique,” the cultural ides that resulted in the oppression of women, and the misguided belief that it was strictly a post-World War II concept. Another contributing factor in the strength of the feminist movement was the attention it was given by the media and by politicians.
The widespread popularity of Betty Freidan’s The Feminine Mystique gave women a chance to “re-examine their own lives in light of the questions it raised” (290). Freidan’s novel gave women who were raised with the belief that their natural role was that of the homemaker exposure to other possibilities for personal fulfillment. Chafe some of the claims of modern feminists were not based in fact. Many feminists perpetuated the idea that the “feminine mystique was a uniquely post-World War II concept, although it had been a predominant social idea for over a century. Feminists also contended that no woman could find true personal satisfaction in the role of homemaker. Though many women were dissatisfied with this lifestyle, there were some who were content as wives and mothers.
The objectives of modern feminism included the passage of the equal rights amendment (ERA), “radical modification of cultural stereotypes, the creation of new community institutions like child-care centers and a concerted campaign by women to develop a ‘lifelong commitment’ to the professions or business” (289). Without a change in the public concept of the women’s sphere, little could be done to bring about change. Women had to be informed of their options in order to desire change, while men, who held the majority of political power, needed to be made aware of this desire for change on the part of women. Child-care centers were also a major issue. Women relied heavily on family and neighbors to help take care of their children when they were away from home. This support system was often inadequate when a woman sought work outside of the home. Since the “feminine mystique” deemed that a woman’s priorities put her home life first, without child-care, she would be inclined to remain at home to raise her children. Chafe also describes the need for women to seek satisfaction in the professional and business worlds. Women were primarily employed as secretaries and other typically “female” occupations. Feminists called for the acceptance of and equal pay for women in all occupational fields. This was a particularly difficult goal to achieve in the male dominated work force.
Gloria Steinem, speaking to a 1970 Senate subcommittee on the ratification of the ERA stated that the problems faced by feminists “[stemmed] from . . . sex-based myths” (Steinem 300). She attempted to lay to rest many common beliefs of the time. By ratifying the ERA, the government would have to recognize that women were not only the biological equals of men, but that they deserved equal treatment in the home, workplace, and in society. Steinem voiced the opposition of feminists to the sexually biased practices of businesses, labor unions, and even the social welfare system, and also warned against viewing the feminist movement as passing trend. She stated that women would not “be content as a cheap labor pool anymore . . . and neither . . . without full Constitutional rights” (302). The ERA was approved by Congress in 1972 and was supported by most Americans. However, due to opposition from southern and western states, Missouri, and Illinois, it was not ratified by the necessary three-quarters of the states. Despite this major defeat, the feminist movement saw many of its goals realized. More women were entering previously “male-only” fields and attaining political power.
Legalized abortion, another goal of the feminist movement, was realized by the 1973 Supreme Court Decision in the case of Roe v. Wade. The justices were faced with the difficulty of deciding on a issue that was fervently debated by all sections of society. Essentially, the decision was based on a woman’s right to privacy in her decision to terminate a pregnancy. Though privacy is not specifically referred to in the Constitution, the justices felt that the personal liberty and personal rights granted by the Fourteenth and Ninth Amendments were “broad enough to encompass a woman’s decision” (Roe 304) about abortion. Although the Supreme Court ruled that the right of personal privacy applied to the abortion decision, they did not state that abortion was and undeniable right. The decision left states in control of regulation of abortion.
In former President George Bush’s address to pro-life marchers, he clearly voiced his support for the anti-abortion movement. He advocated the overturn of the Roe V. Wade decision, saying, “I think America needs a human life amendment” (Bush 1989). He offered adoption as the alternative to abortion. In light of President Bush’s comments and the strong convictions of people on both sides of the abortion issue, compromise is unlikely. Unfortunately, no solution exists with which both pro-choice and pro-life advocates could be satisfied.
The feminist movement has been visible at several different stages of American history. During the Civil War, women brought attention to gender based discrimination. During the Progressive Era, they sought for and eventually attained women’s suffrage. The movement reached its most active point during the 1960’s when anti-discrimination was in the political forefront. Regardless of the failure of the Equal Rights Amendment, feminism brought about substantial changes in the lives of American men and women alike. Giving women positive options for personal fulfillment outside of the home in turn gave the United States the benefit of the abilities of a typically overlooked section of society.
Works Cited
Bush, George. “President George Bush Opposes Abortion, 1989.” The Way We Lived. Vol. 2. Ed. Frederick M. Binder and David M. Reimers. 3rd Ed. D.C. Heath and Co., 1996. 305.
Chafe, William H. “The Revival of Feminism” The Way We Lived. Vol. 2. Ed. Frederick M. Binder and David M. Reimers. 3rd Ed. D.C. Heath and Co., 1996. 286-299.
“How to be a good wife.” http://www.goang.af.mil/goodwife.htm.
“Roe v. Wade: A Woman’s Right to Abortion, 1973.” The Way We Lived. Vol. 2. Ed. Frederick M. Binder and David M. Reimers. 3rd Ed. D.C. Heath and Co., 1996. 303-305.
Steinem, Gloria. “In Support of ERA, 1970.” The Way We Lived. Vol. 2. Ed. Frederick M. Binder and David M. Reimers. 3rd Ed. D.C. Heath and Co., 1996. 299-303.
