ENG 105
September 21st, 2015
A Decade of Revolution for Women
Most people, when they think of the 1960s, think of a decade of extremes, transformational change, bizarre contrasts, flower children and rebellion. Others refer to it as the baby boom generation. However, do not forget a decade of change for women. Deep cultural changes altered the role of women in American society. More females entered the workplace, women looked up to their greatest idol, Betty Friedan, and there were profound changes happening in the bedroom (birth control). Women were starting to gain respect, value their place in society and stand up for their civil rights. Before the 1960s, women were limited to jobs as teachers, nurses, or secretaries, generally unwelcomed into professional programs. According to tavaana.org, one medical school dean declared, “Hell yes we have a quota, we do keep women out as much as possible. We don’t want them here.” As a result, women accounted for only six percent of the doctors, 3 percent of lawyers, and less than one percent engineers. The conditions of their employment were unequitable because they were paid much less, were denied opportunities, and many employers assumed women would quit once they were pregnant so they were often not even hired (Walsh). The feminist movement in the 60’s originally focused on these issues. In 1964, Representative Howard Smith of Virginia wanted to help women and proposed to add a prohibition on gender discrimination in the civil rights laws. He was greeted by laughter from other congressman, but with the leadership from Representative Martha Griffiths of Michigan, the law was passed. However, most women knew this would not enforce the protection of women workers. Therefore, a group of feminists, including the great Betty Friedan, founded NOW (National Organization for Women), an organization to fight gender