Gender in the 1900's
Gender in the 1900's was changing rapidly as women became more respected and accepted in the roles they have today. One of the biggest achievements during the 1900's for women was the suffragette movement, and women's right to vote. When the 19th Amendment was passed, women were not only given the chance to vote but they were given the chance to influence their future with a vote. Throughout the 1900's women made huge strides in science, technology and television, just to name a few. Men during the 1900's were generally the same, they made advances in accepting a more diverse America, but they still suffered with trying to fit the "manly-man" stereotype. Overall, the 1900's paved the way for a more welcoming 21st Century.
Amelia Earhart and Innovation
Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly alone across the Atlantic ocean. Earhart wrote many best-selling books depicting her story. She started the Ninety-Nines, an organization of female pilots. Earhart was influential in providing women an path to science and engineering careers, proving that women are just as intelligent as men and can have wonderful accomplishments too.
Suffragettes
The suffragettes finally succeeded when the 19th Amendment in the Constitution, was ratified in 1920. This amendment protects everyone U.S. citizens right to vote, no matter of gender. |
Women began to think about their inequalities in the 1800's but it wasn't until the 1920's. Women began testing the Cult of Domesticity and were getting more jobs in the early 1900's. By the late 1900's women still faced discrimination but there was a lot of improvement when they were granted the right to vote.
Women's right to vote did not come easily. It took a lot of fighting and protesting but it was a huge step towards gender equality. |
Masculinity in the Great Depression
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I Love Lucy
I Love Lucy was a television show that ran from 1951-1957. The show followed Lucy Ricardo, played by Lucille Ball, and Ricky Ricardo, played by Desi Arnaz. This show was revolutionary in its techniques and pushed multiple different ideas of gender and their roles. Ball, was very influential. She ran the company alongside her husband and showed her intelligence just as much as she showed her physical comedy.
In one episode, Lucy and her friend, Ethel, decide they want to get jobs. They both get hired at a chocolate factory. This scene (right) has become famous for the physical comedy it features, but it also shows two women who work hard to prove they can keep a job. |
(History104WWU)
I Love Lucy showed what the gender roles and expectations were for men. There were moments throughout the show in which Lucy was shown as a trouble-maker, and Ricky was expected or shown "cleaning up the mess." Ricky is expected to be strong and serious. He handles things like money while Lucy takes care of their children.
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Men in the 1900's
(Smithsonian)
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I Am A Man
This photo was taken by Roderick Terry. It depicts a man describing the different labels used to describe him and how they don't change the fact that he is a man. No matter the social norms or the culture around him. |
Prince
Prince was photographed in a 1984 issue of the Rolling Stone magazine, wearing eye makeup. The worldwide-famous singer challenged America, but also the world, with his gender bending fashion choices. He was one of the first straight men in the public-eye to wear makeup and heels; his confidence helped his work to grow even larger. (Rolling Stone.) |
Equal Pay
Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins
The wage gap still affects America today, and women were fighting for equal pay in the 1900's. In the court case Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins, Ann Hopkins sued her former employer, the accounting firm Price Waterhouse, on the basis of sex discrimination. Hopkins argued she was denied partnership because she didn't "look or act" like a woman should. This case was so important because it established that gender-stereotyping can be considered sex discrimination. This lead the way for a fairer workplace and although America still deals with a lot of sex discrimination, this case was a big step for women. |
Equal Pay Act of 1963
This Act of 1963 was to ensure equal pay and prohibit gender discrimination. It was a major movement for gender equality; however wage gaps still exist today.
(House. Equal Pay Act)
This Act of 1963 was to ensure equal pay and prohibit gender discrimination. It was a major movement for gender equality; however wage gaps still exist today.
(House. Equal Pay Act)