Changing Ideasof Women:Then and Now

By Michael Schreifels

1776

1776

The Declaration of

Independence states:

“All men are created equal.”

Cult of Domesticity

A “true” woman embodies:

1. Piety: more spiritual than men

2. Purity: pure in heart, mind, and body

3. Submission: listen to men

4. Domesticity: raise kids in the home

1820-1860

early 1900sspinsters: term for unmarried women unable to find a manold maids: a spinster by choice

early 1900s

“Old Maid” is now a card game.

1920sThe flapper (“new breed” woman) gains popularity.

She:

• drinks• has casual sex• smokes• drives

1949

Famous actress/modelMarilyn Monroe posesnude because she“had no rent money.”

1957

Leave it to Beaver goes on the air, with the wife enjoying such activities as cooking, entertaining guests, and sewing.

1959One of the greatest

jazz singers of all time, Ella Fitzgerald wins her first of 12 Grammy Awards.

early 1970’s

the “free love” movement and drive for social liberalism peaks with the influence of hippies

2000

Hugh Hefner’s empire surrounding Playboy is worth

$1 billion.

2007 The average American girl owns tenBarbies.

2008: The film grosses almost $400 million with a story about a female girl and her attraction to a vampire.

2009: Two sequels are produced.

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