The Changing Lives and Perceptions of Women since WWII (1950-2006)

Sections: Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on the District of Columbia: Trends in Family Composition (May 3, 2006) Women Commemorated on Stamps since 1950 Women in the United States Congress Sandra Day O'Connor The Equal Pay Act of 1963 Vice-President Lyndon Baines Johnson Addresses the President's Commission on the Status of Women (1962) Work Experience of the United States Population from 1970 - 2003 Contribution of Wives' Earnings to the Family Income 1970-2003 Wives Who Earn More than Their Husbands 1987 – 2003 Median Weekly Earnings of Full-Time Wage and Salary Workers in Constant Dollars of All Persons 16 and Older Median Weekly Earnings of Full-Time Wage and Salary Workers in Constant Dollars of All Persons 16 and Older Title IX: Education Amendments of 1972 The Wage Gap in Pro Sports: A League of Their Own Equal Footing: Women's Field of Dreams Takes a Worldwide Stage

Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on the District of Columbia: Trends in Family Composition (May 3, 2006) Top Historical Context Attached Document In an effort to “promote an environment conducive to marriage in the District of Columbia,” the Senate Subcommittee on Appropriations heard testimony from Ron Haskins, Senior Fellow of Economic Studies at the Brookings Institute on the issue of trends in family composition. Questions to Consider 1. What has been the general trend in the overall percentages of Marriages? 2. What impact has the trend in marriages had on children? 3. What group of women tend to have a larger proportion of children out of wedlock ? <i>Historical Context</i><br><br> <i>Attached Document</i><br> In an effort to “promote an environment conducive to marriage in the District of Columbia,” the Senate Subcommittee on Appropriations heard testimony from Ron Haskins, Senior Fellow of Economic Studies at the Brookings Institute on the issue of trends in family composition.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1. What has been the general trend in the overall percentages of Marriages?<br> 2. What impact has the trend in marriages had on children?<br> 3. What group of women tend to have a larger proportion of children out of wedlock ?<br>      Senate Committee on Appropriations.rtf   Citations: http://www.brookings.edu/views/testimony/haskins/20060503.htm <a href="http://www.brookings.edu/views/testimony/haskins/20060503.htm">http://www.brookings.edu/views/testimony/haskins/20060503.htm</a>

Women Commemorated on Stamps since 1950 Top Historical Context In the 57 years from 1893 to 1950, there had been only 13 United States Postage stamps commemorating the accomplishments of women. From 1950 to 2002, there have been more than eighty women who have had such a tribute paid to them for their life work on a stamp. Attached Document Included here are the examples of the stamps are taken from the website. Questions to Consider 1. What types of accomplishments are considered worthy of U.S. stamp recognition? 2. Why have there been so many more women commemorated on stamps in the past 50 years? <i>Historical Context</i><br> In the 57 years from 1893 to 1950, there had been only 13 United States Postage stamps commemorating the accomplishments of women. From 1950 to 2002, there have been more than eighty women who have had such a tribute paid to them for their life work on a stamp.<br><br> <i>Attached Document</i><br> Included here are the examples of the stamps are taken from the website.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1. What types of accomplishments are considered worthy of U.S. stamp recognition? <br> 2. Why have there been so many more women commemorated on stamps in the past 50 years?<br>      Women Commemorated on Stamps since 1950.rtf   Citations: http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0768442.html <a href="http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0768442.html">http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0768442.html</a>

Women in the United States Congress Top Historical Context Attached Document The following is a compilation of information regarding some of the women who have been or are currently members of the United States Congress. The information is relevant in showing the gender changes that have occurred within the U.S. Congress during the past 50 years. At the bottom of the page is a link to a video clip from a female Congresswoman regarding the Voting Rights Act. Questions to Consider 1. How many women are currently in the U.S. Congress? 2. What were some famous “firsts” regarding women in Congress? <i>Historical Context</i><br><br> <i>Attached Document</i><br> The following is a compilation of information regarding some of the women who have been or are currently members of the United States Congress. The information is relevant in showing the gender changes that have occurred within the U.S. Congress during the past 50 years. At the bottom of the page is a link to a video clip from a female Congresswoman regarding the Voting Rights Act. <br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1. How many women are currently in the U.S. Congress?<br> 2. What were some famous “firsts” regarding women in Congress? <br>      Women in the United States Congress.rtf   Citations: http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0768502.html <a href="http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0768502.html">http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0768502.html</a>

Sandra Day O'Connor Top Historical Context Attached Document The following is a biographical look at the first female U.S. Supreme Court Justice. It explores her early life and how her experiences helped her become one of the most respected women of the late 20th Century. Questions to Consider 1. How did O’Connor’s early years influence who she has become? 2. In what ways have O’Connor’s decisions on Supreme Court cases been consistent? 3. How did her appointment change the court? <i>Historical Context</i><br><br> <i>Attached Document</i><br> The following is a biographical look at the first female U.S. Supreme Court Justice. It explores her early life and how her experiences helped her become one of the most respected women of the late 20th Century.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1. How did O’Connor’s early years influence who she has become?<br> 2. In what ways have O’Connor’s decisions on Supreme Court cases been consistent?<br> 3. How did her appointment change the court?<br>      Sandra Day O.rtf   Citations: http://www.oyez.org/oyez/resource/legal_entity/102/biography <a href="http://www.oyez.org/oyez/resource/legal_entity/102/biography">http://www.oyez.org/oyez/resource/legal_entity/102/biography</a>

The Equal Pay Act of 1963 Top Historical Context Attached Document The following excerpt is taken from the text of the Equal Pay Act of 1963. This act prohibits sex-based wage discrimination between men and women in the same establishment who are performing under similar working conditions. At the bottom of the page is a link to an audio clip of then Vice-President Lyndon Baines Johnson’s support for equal pay. Questions to Consider 1. What specific provisions of the Act explicitly make wage discrimination illegal? 2. What aspects of labor does this Act include? <i>Historical Context</i><br><br> <i>Attached Document</i><br> The following excerpt is taken from the text of the Equal Pay Act of 1963. This act prohibits sex-based wage discrimination between men and women in the same establishment who are performing under similar working conditions. At the bottom of the page is a link to an audio clip of then Vice-President Lyndon Baines Johnson’s support for equal pay.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1. What specific provisions of the Act explicitly make wage discrimination illegal?<br> 2. What aspects of labor does this Act include? <br>      The Equal Pay Act of 1963.rtf   Citations: http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/epa.html <a href="http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/epa.html">http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/epa.html</a>

Vice-President Lyndon Baines Johnson Addresses the President's Commission on the Status of Women (1962) Top Historical Context Attached Document This is an audio clip of then Vice-President Lyndon Baines Johnson’s addressing of President John F. Kennedy's Commission on the Status of Women in 1962. In it he talks of the need to a movement towards equal pay as well as equal status of women in the workplace. (21:04) minutes Questions to Consider 1. What kinds of work does VP Johnson believe women are capable of doing? 2. Why does VP Johnson feel that the status of women should be more equal? <i>Historical Context</i><br><br> <i>Attached Document</i><br> This is an audio clip of then Vice-President Lyndon Baines Johnson’s addressing of President John F. Kennedy's Commission on the Status of Women in 1962. In it he talks of the need to a movement towards equal pay as well as equal status of women in the workplace. (21:04) minutes<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1. What kinds of work does VP Johnson believe women are capable of doing?<br> 2. Why does VP Johnson feel that the status of women should be more equal?<br>      nara-rg174-59-vp-lbj-presidents-commission-on-status-of-women-1962.mp3   Citations: http://www.albany.edu/talkinghistory/archivalaudio/nara-rg174-59-vp-lbj-presidents-commission-on-status-of-women-1962.mp3 <a href="http://www.albany.edu/talkinghistory/archivalaudio/nara-rg174-59-vp-lbj-presidents-commission-on-status-of-women-1962.mp3">http://www.albany.edu/talkinghistory/archivalaudio/nara-rg174-59-vp-lbj-presidents-commission-on-status-of-women-1962.mp3</a>

Work Experience of the United States Population from 1970 - 2003 Top Historical Context Attached Document The following is a compilation of statistics regarding the work experience of women from 1970 to 2003. It not only shows how the population of women in the U.S. increased during those years, but also that there was an increase in the percentage of women with work experience. Questions to Consider 1. Why did women with work experience increase during this time period? 2. What general trend do you think this will have in years after 2003 ? <i>Historical Context</i><br><br> <i>Attached Document</i><br> The following is a compilation of statistics regarding the work experience of women from 1970 to 2003. It not only shows how the population of women in the U.S. increased during those years, but also that there was an increase in the percentage of women with work experience.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1. Why did women with work experience increase during this time period? <br> 2. What general trend do you think this will have in years after 2003 ? <br>      Work Experience of the United States Population from 1970 to 2003.rtf   Citations: http://www.bls.gov/cps/wlf-table22-2005.pdf <a href="http://www.bls.gov/cps/wlf-table22-2005.pdf">http://www.bls.gov/cps/wlf-table22-2005.pdf</a>

Contribution of Wives' Earnings to the Family Income 1970-2003 Top Historical Context Attached Document The following is a compilation of statistics regarding the contributions of wives’ earnings to the overall income of the family for the years 1970 to 2003. You can see the general trend shows an increase in the percentage that a woman’s income brings to the family. Questions to Consider 1. Why did the percentages of wives’ earnings contributed to family income increase during this time period? 2. What general trend do you think this will have in years after 2003? 3. Why more wives went to work during this time period? <i>Historical Context</i><br><br> <i>Attached Document</i><br> The following is a compilation of statistics regarding the contributions of wives’ earnings to the overall income of the family for the years 1970 to 2003. You can see the general trend shows an increase in the percentage that a woman’s income brings to the family.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1. Why did the percentages of wives’ earnings contributed to family income increase during this time period?<br> 2. What general trend do you think this will have in years after 2003?<br> 3. Why more wives went to work during this time period?<br>      Contribution of Wives Earnings to the Family Income 1970 to 2003.rtf   Citations: http://www.bls.gov/cps/wlf-table24-2005.pdf <a href="http://www.bls.gov/cps/wlf-table24-2005.pdf">http://www.bls.gov/cps/wlf-table24-2005.pdf</a>

Wives Who Earn More than Their Husbands 1987 – 2003 Top Historical Context Attached Document The following is a compilation of statistics regarding the numbers and percentages of wives’ who earn more money than their husbands. This statistic only looks at those marriages in which the husband also brings in an income. Questions to Consider 1. What factors are allowing wives to earn more than their husbands? 2. What general trend do you think this will have in years after 2003? 3. Why has the number of married couples with two incomes increasing? <i>Historical Context</i><br><br> <i>Attached Document</i><br> The following is a compilation of statistics regarding the numbers and percentages of wives’ who earn more money than their husbands. This statistic only looks at those marriages in which the husband also brings in an income.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1. What factors are allowing wives to earn more than their husbands?<br> 2. What general trend do you think this will have in years after 2003?<br> 3. Why has the number of married couples with two incomes increasing?<br>      Wives Who Earn More than Their Husbands 1987 to 2003.rtf   Citations: http://www.bls.gov/cps/wlf-table25-2005.pdf <a href="http://www.bls.gov/cps/wlf-table25-2005.pdf">http://www.bls.gov/cps/wlf-table25-2005.pdf</a>

Median Weekly Earnings of Full-Time Wage and Salary Workers in Constant Dollars of All Persons 16 and Older Top Historical Context Attached Document The following chart shows statistical information regarding the average weekly earnings of men and women over the age of 16 from 1979 to 2004. Questions to Consider 1. Why do you believe that women are earning less than men in 2004? 2. In what year was the gap between men and women’s earnings the least? 3. In what year was the gap between men and women’s earnings the greatest? 4. What do you think it will take for women to truly achieve equitable pay? <i>Historical Context</i><br><br> <i>Attached Document</i><br> The following chart shows statistical information regarding the average weekly earnings of men and women over the age of 16 from 1979 to 2004.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1. Why do you believe that women are earning less than men in 2004?<br> 2. In what year was the gap between men and women’s earnings the least?<br> 3. In what year was the gap between men and women’s earnings the greatest?<br> 4. What do you think it will take for women to truly achieve equitable pay?<br>      Median Weekly Earnings of Full Time Wage and Salary Workers in Constant Dollars of All Persons 16 and Older.rtf   Citations: http://www.bls.gov/cps/cpswom2004.pdf <a href="http://www.bls.gov/cps/cpswom2004.pdf">http://www.bls.gov/cps/cpswom2004.pdf</a>

Median Weekly Earnings of Full-Time Wage and Salary Workers in Constant Dollars of All Persons 16 and Older Top Historical Context Attached Document The following graph shows statistical information regarding the average weekly earnings of men and women over the age of 16 from 1979 to 2004. Questions to Consider 1. What has been the trend in men’s wages between 2000 and 2004? 2. At what point in time did women’s wages increase the most? Why do you think that happened? 3. At what point in time was the gap between men’s and women’s wages the greatest? What do you think was the cause of the deficit in women’s wages? <i>Historical Context</i><br><br> <i>Attached Document</i><br> The following graph shows statistical information regarding the average weekly earnings of men and women over the age of 16 from 1979 to 2004.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1. What has been the trend in men’s wages between 2000 and 2004?<br> 2. At what point in time did women’s wages increase the most? Why do you think that happened?<br> 3. At what point in time was the gap between men’s and women’s wages the greatest? What do you think was the cause of the deficit in women’s wages?<br>      Median Weekly Earnings of Full Time Wage and Salary Workers in Constant Dollars of All Persons 16 and Older Graph.rtf   Citations: http://www.bls.gov/cps/cpswom2004.pdf <a href="http://www.bls.gov/cps/cpswom2004.pdf">http://www.bls.gov/cps/cpswom2004.pdf</a>

Title IX: Education Amendments of 1972 Top Historical Context Attached Document The excerpt below outlines the major aspects of the Title IX of the 1972 Educations Amendments that required schools who received federal money to provide equal opportunity and funding to male and female sports programs. Questions to Consider 1. Upon what types of schools / programs did Title IX have an impact? 2. What type of enforcement authority does the U.S. Government have? 3. How has Title IX changed American sports in High School and college? 4. How do you think Title IX has benefited American female athletes? <i>Historical Context</i><br><br> <i>Attached Document</i><br> The excerpt below outlines the major aspects of the Title IX of the 1972 Educations Amendments that required schools who received federal money to provide equal opportunity and funding to male and female sports programs. <br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1. Upon what types of schools / programs did Title IX have an impact? <br> 2. What type of enforcement authority does the U.S. Government have?<br> 3. How has Title IX changed American sports in High School and college?<br> 4. How do you think Title IX has benefited American female athletes?<br>      Title IX.rtf   Citations: http://www.dol.gov/oasam/regs/statutes/titleix.htm <a href="http://www.dol.gov/oasam/regs/statutes/titleix.htm">http://www.dol.gov/oasam/regs/statutes/titleix.htm</a>

The Wage Gap in Pro Sports: A League of Their Own Top Historical Context Attached Document The following is a story by writer John Gettings involving pay equity issues in men’s and women’s professional sports. He takes a look at how changes are occurring, but admits that there still exists a large overall gap in pay. Questions to Consider 1. What types of pro sports leagues are available for women participants? 2. What are some reasons that a pay inequity exists in pro sports leagues? <i>Historical Context</i><br><br> <i>Attached Document</i><br> The following is a story by writer John Gettings involving pay equity issues in men’s and women’s professional sports. He takes a look at how changes are occurring, but admits that there still exists a large overall gap in pay.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1. What types of pro sports leagues are available for women participants?<br> 2. What are some reasons that a pay inequity exists in pro sports leagues?<br>      The Wage Gap in Pro Sports.rtf   Citations: http://www.infoplease.com/spot/sptwagegap2.html <a href="http://www.infoplease.com/spot/sptwagegap2.html">http://www.infoplease.com/spot/sptwagegap2.html</a>

Equal Footing: Women's Field of Dreams Takes a Worldwide Stage Top Historical Context Attached Document The following article highlights the various social and economical changes that have been made in professional women’s sports. It gives historical background of the women who first brought women’s sports to national attention as well as interviews with past and current female athletes who share their opinions on the athletic and often personal journeys that they have taken in their professional careers. Questions to Consider 1. To what does the article credit much of the success of women’s sports? 2. What does Nikki McCray have to say about women’s sports? 3. What are the challenges faced by women’s sports? <i>Historical Context</i><br><br> <i>Attached Document</i><br> The following article highlights the various social and economical changes that have been made in professional women’s sports. It gives historical background of the women who first brought women’s sports to national attention as well as interviews with past and current female athletes who share their opinions on the athletic and often personal journeys that they have taken in their professional careers.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1. To what does the article credit much of the success of women’s sports?<br> 2. What does Nikki McCray have to say about women’s sports?<br> 3. What are the challenges faced by women’s sports?<br>      Equal Footing.rtf   Citations: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/womens/news/1999/07/01/field_of_dreams/women1.html <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/womens/news/1999/07/01/field_of_dreams/women1.html">http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/womens/news/1999/07/01/field_of_dreams/women1.html</a>

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