The Flapper and women's changing roles
Throughout the 1920’s many big changes, specifically with women and their roles, began to occur. Displayed in the book, Only Yesterday, (1931) was the “new woman,” which was very symbolic of the development that women faced during the 1920’s. In the 20’s, woman played a key role both outside and inside the home; expanding their roles politically, economically, socially, and educationally (Lapansky-Werner 234-236). In addition, women known as “Flappers” began appearing left and right. These Flappers challenged the traditions of the previous Victorian Age, as they progressively began to become more liberated (Flynn 1). This includes but is not limited to; wearing more makeup, having their hair bobbed, displaying themselves in more provocative clothing, smoking, and further expressing themselves in activities that women had previously not partook in, such as informal dance. These Flappers, though not encompassing all of women, were portrayed very positively by the media, and ultimately encouraged other women to challenge more basic principles. The media also displayed women in a way that disregarded past traditions and enabled them to be viewed equal to men (Lapansky-Werner 234-236). The flappers were more interested in comfortable living and doing whatever they pleased than making a social statement, which is why they did not make accomplishments like Carrie Chapman Catt and Margaret Sanger did (Flynn 1). The average women, though not as exuberant as the flappers, began to advance more so in the workplace, earning roles previously reserved just for men. They gained jobs in industry, film, politics and more. These women in the workplace made achievements that became possible due to their hard work and dedication. They even began to find work in management, law, medicine, and other significant jobs. One key woman who partook in politics was Rebecca Felten, the first woman to enter the U.S. Senate in the year of 1922. Another key woman at the time was Nellie Tayloe Ross, who was the first female governor in 1924. These women provided inspiration for other women, such as housewives who began to demand rights for themselves as well (Lapansky-Werner 234-236). The traditional role of the common housewife began to decrease significantly as they began to spend more time pursuing their interests and serving the man less often. This includes; marrying later in life, having fewer kids which allowed them to gain more freedoms, and enter the workplace themselves, all which challenged past traditions. These advancements of the housewife were often made possible by technological growth, which freed up the majority of their time and allowed them to begin work. Overall, women began to enter the workforce slowly but surely (Lapansky-Werner 234-236). Organizations, including the National American Woman’s Suffrage Association and the National Women’s Party fought for broader opportunities. The National American Woman's Suffrage Association pushed for reform movements, positions in office for women, and laws to protect women and children in the workplace. The National Woman's Party was more aggressive, demanding economical, social, and political equality between men and women. They also called for an equal rights amendment. All in all, the 1920’s marked a very significant decade for women; as they began to express themselves more so in forms such as the Flapper, joining the workplace, and gaining more rights, (Lapansky-Werner 234-236).
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