the women’s movement chapter 6, theme b. why have women faced discrimination? historically, women...
TRANSCRIPT
The Women’s Movement
Chapter 6, Theme B
Why have Women faced Discrimination?
Historically, women have been considered intellectually inferior to men.
They were seen as major sources of temptation and evil.
Women were also considered naturally weaker than men.
Needed protection to perpetuate families.
The first signatures on the Declaration of
Sentiments.
“. . . The history of mankind is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations on the part of man toward woman, having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over her. . . . He has never permitted her to exercise her inalienable right to the elective franchise. He has compelled her to submit to laws, in the formation of which she has no voice. . .”
Elizabeth Cady Stanton,
Click for The Declaration of Sentiments Full text
Seneca Falls Convention Held, 1848
19th Amendment
“The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Congress shall
have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.”
It was ratified on August 18th, 1920.
The 1st Equal Rights Amendment
“Men and women shall have equal rights throughout the United States and every place subject to its jurisdiction.”
It was first introduced to Congress in 1923. Made all forms of discrimination based on
sex illegal. Never passed in Congress.
Women’s Revolution of 1960s
The Women's Rights Movement of the 1960s was a second wave of activism.
The women's movement of the 1960s drew inspiration from the civil rights movement
It was largely made up of members of the middle class
It was also caused by the sexual revolution of the 1960s Sparked by the development of the
birth-control pill in 1960Martin Luther King Jr. giving his
"I Have A Dream“, 1963
National Organization for Women (NOW)
Founded in 1966. Founded by a group of
people, including Betty Friedan, and Rev. Pauli Murray. The first African-
American woman Episcopal priest.
Betty Friedan became the organization's first president.
Goals of Women’s Movement
NOW’s goal was to gain equality for women. Campaigned to gain passage of new ERA
amendment. Issues for NOW:
Eliminate discrimination and harassment in the workplace, schools, and the justice system.
Secure abortion, birth control & reproductive rights End all forms of violence against women Eradicate racism, sexism and homophobia Promote equality and justice in society.
Equal Pay Act 1963 First federal law prohibiting sexual discrimination. It abolished wage differences based on sex.
“No employer having employees subject to any provisions of this section [section 206 of title 29 of the United States Code] shall discriminate, within any establishment in which such employees are employed, between employees on the basis of sex by paying wages to employees in such establishment at a rate less than the rate at which he pays wages to employees of the opposite sex in such establishment for equal work on jobs…” -- Equal Pay Act
In 1963 the average female worker’s wages in the US were equivalent to 58.9 % of the average male worker’s earnings.
How has this changed? Use CT Exercises!
The Civil Rights Act of 1964
Passed in 1964. It banned discrimination in employment on the basis of color,
race, national origin, religion, or sex. Title VII set up the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC) to enforce the act.
Griswold v. Connecticut Click to read more
Estelle Griswold was the executive director of Planned Parenthood League.
The case involved a Connecticut law that prohibited the use of contraceptives.
Ruled that the Constitution protected a right to privacy.
Found that Connecticut should allow married couples to use birth control.
Chief Justice Earl Warren (top), Estelle Griswold (right)
Roe v. Wade Click to read more
Handed down in 1972. Legalized abortion with few
restrictions. Mainly, 1st trimester limits.
Used Griswold decision as a precedent
Remains controversial. Many test cases have further
restricted access, but have not overturned the right. Ex. Webster v. RHS (1989) & Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992) Read more!
The Equal Rights Amendment The ERA was approved by
more than 2/3 of Congress in 1972 & sent to states
35 states ratified it quickly and in 1977 it seemed like it would be passed.
Women’s groups were divided over it
The deadline came in 1982, by just one state, the amendment failed
In 1972, Congress included Title IX in the Higher Education Act, providing, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal assistance.”
Debate the pros & cons of this law. Is it still needed?
Title IX Click to read more
Can laws make gender distinctions? Yes, first allowed in Reed v. Reed
case. Established the “reasonableness standard.”
Today, the federal courts use the substantial relationship test as the standard. The government must show a very close connection between the law and its purpose. This is also known as the immediate scrutiny test.
Other Challenges
In what 2 ways do the courts define sexual harassment?
1.Quid pro quo (This for that!)
2.Hostile work environment
EEOC investigates allegationsCourts have been inconsistent in the rulings.