History
The 1960s and 70s were characterized by the emergence of several women groups whose effects are still felt today. The period was marked by Americans trying to go back to the family setting, having been rocked by war and economic depression. Thus, issues of family unions dominated the nation’s media with talks on topics such as divorce not being recommended. However, the calm nature of the country would be disrupted by Betty Friedan’s book, “Feminine Mystique.” The book, published in 1963, enlightened readers of the sorry state of women in America. Friedan would later lead in the formation of the National Organization of Women, a movement that would result in different rights for women. The paper discusses the goals of the women’s movements, differences between radical and liberal feminists as it emerged, opposition to the movement, the ultimate accomplishments, and failures.
The movement’s critical goal was to liberate women from the different social norms that were highlighted as being oppressive to them. Friedan’s book served as a way of informing people that women were indeed suffering in the society hence the need to be empowered. The movements perceived the practice of women being left at home as detrimental to their wellbeing as it subjected them to lonely and economically disempowered their lives. Attaining equal treatment like their male colleagues was thus the primary objective of the movements. Like men, the movements advocated for women to be granted equal education and employment opportunities. Also, the organizations supported that women be protected from discrimination and social oppression, such as rape (Rosen, p 211).
Growth of the movement would, however, lead to differences in ideals among its members. A significant difference was seen in the emergence of the liberal and radical feminist groups. While the liberal group called for gender equality in the kind of treatment that both men and women are given, radical feminists called for total dissociation of women from a society of men. To the radicals, men were the cause of all evil things women go through in the community hence the need for women to free themselves from men. Liberal feminists, on the other hand, saw no problem in women living with men and even marrying.
The activities of the feminist movements did not go that smoothly. On the contrary, groups received a lot of opposition. Phylis Schlafly, a conservative woman, was at the forefront of opposing feminist ideals. The key argument against feminism was that it was destroying American families. Americans placed much significance on family, and feminism was thus portrayed as detrimental to it, as seen in the rising number of divorces. Also, feminism was highlighted as leading to a violation of the religious nature of Americans by advocating for practices such as reproductive laws that allowed abortion. Schlafly’s strong opposition to feminism ideals is seen in her marshaling different women groups to oppose the ERA amendment (Critchlow and Cynthia, p 227).
At the peak of their activities, the feminist women groups were able to attain several achievements. The greatest achievement for the movements was in changing the lives of many women by enlightening the society on the need for equal treatment in terms of gender. Many women would later pursue professional careers as opposed to staying at home. Also, the groups played a significant role in promoting reproductive health, as seen in the Roe v. Wade case that paved way to some instances of abortion. The major failure of the movement, on the other hand, is depicted by the ERA amendment failing to go pass. Likewise, a decline in feminist activities began after the ERA failure (Faragher et al.)
In conclusion, the goals of the feminist movements of the 1960s and 70s have been highlighted as focusing on improving the lives of women and advocating for equality in terms of gender. Opposition towards the group’s activities came from other women groups who saw feminism as detrimental to Americans’ family and spiritual wellbeing. While the group played a crucial role in empowering women, its major failure came from the ERA amendment failing to pass.
Works Cited
Critchlow, Donald T., and Cynthia L. Stachecki. “The equal rights amendment reconsidered: Politics, policy, and social mobilization in a democracy.” Journal of Policy History 20.1 (2008): 157-176.
John M. Faragher, Mari Jo Buhle,Daniel H. Czitrom, George J. Armelagos. Out of Many: A History of the American People. 2016. Volume 2, 8th Edition
Rosen, Ruth. The world split open: How the modern women’s movement changed America. Tantor eBooks, 2013.