| The Women’s Movement of the 1970s to Today (1972-2005) |
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Sections:- The Legislative Road to Title IX (1972)
- Proposed Equal Rights Amendment (1972)
- Shirley Chisholm’s Presidential Candidacy (1973)
- Geraldine Ferraro Vice-Presidential Candidate Acceptance Speech (1984)
- Today’s Women’s Movement
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| Historical Context
As the women's civil rights movement gained momentum in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Americans began to focus attention on inequities that inhibited the progress of women and girls in education. The issue of sex bias in education moved into the public policy realm when Representative Edith Green (Oregon) introduced a higher education bill with provisions regarding sex equity. The hearings that Green held were the first ever devoted to this topic and are considered the first legislative step toward the enactment of Title IX. (source: www.ed.gov)
Attached Document
Included here is a document entitled "the Legislative Road to Title IX."
Questions to consider:
1. State three facts regarding events that led to the passing of Title IX.
2. Using the graph, describe the effects of Title IX on women and higher education.
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| Historical Context
Proposed Equal Rights Amendment (1972)
Three years after women won the right to vote, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was introduced in Congress by Senator Curtis and Representative Anthony. It is authored by Alice Paul, head of the National Women's Party, who led the suffrage campaign. Through the efforts of Alice Paul, the Amendment is introduced into each session of Congress from 1923 to 1970. (source: www.law.umkc.edu)
Attached Document
The proposed Equal Rights Amendment is included here.
Question to consider:
1. How do you think the E.R.A. would affect society if ratified?
2. Research the state of the E.R.A. today.
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| Historical Context
After successfully being elected to Congress, Shirley Chisholm’s next political move was a run at the presidency. From the beginning Chisholm knew her chances were slim, but to the surprise of other candidates and the American public, her campaign was more successful and inspirational than ever thought possible. The following article recounts Chisholm’s campaign and the impact it had on women, African-Americans, and society as a whole.
Attached Document
Included here is an article entitled "The Ticket That Might Have Been," a summary oc Chishom's run for the Presidency.
Questions to consider:
1. In Chisholm’s statement, what did she see as her chances of winning? Why was she running?
2. In regards to voters, what was the effect of Chisholm’s campaign?
3. What was the effect Chisholm’s campaign on the country?
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| Historical Context
A teacher and then attorney, Ferraro ran successfully for Congress from New York City's 9th District in 1978. There, she was a women's and human rights advocate, working for passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, sponsoring the Women's Economic Equity Act ending pension discrimination against women, and seeking greater job training and opportunities for displaced homemakers. In 1984, Ferraro was picked to run as Vice President of the United States on the Democratic Party ticket, with former Vice President Walter Mondale as the candidate for President. In her acceptance speech, she spoke of the realization of the American dream: "Tonight, the daughter of an immigrant from Italy has been chosen to run for vice president in the new land my father came to love..." The ticket lost, but Ferraro's candidacy forever reshaped the American political and social landscape.
(source: http://www.greatwomen.org/women.php?action=viewone&id=61)
Attached Document
Included here is Ferraro's Vice-Presidential Candidate Acceptance Speech.
Questions to Consider:
1. Why was Ferraro’s run for vice president a historic event?
2. To Ferraro, what does her nomination for vice president represent?
3. List three causes Ferraro would fight for if elected.
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| Historical Context
The plight of women has come a long way – from women being unable to vote to gaining the right to vote, and from being deemed submissive housewives to being independent career women, but does that mean the struggle for women’s equality is over? Is America truly equal? You be the judge.
Question to Consider:
1. Analyze the charts below to answer the following: Are women in America truly equal?
2. Analyze pages 9, 10, 11, 12, & 14 of "We The People" below. When were the percentages of Americans voting or not voting for a well qualified female presidential candidate about the same? Why?
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