Modern women's movement

Feminist beliefs have existed throughout history, but feminism did not become widespread in Europe and the United States until the mid-1800's. At that time, many people regarded women as inferior and less important than men. Such people believed a woman's proper place was in the home. The law reflected this opinion. For example, women were barred by law from voting in elections or serving on juries. Most institutions of higher education and most professional careers were also closed to women.

Despite strong opposition, feminism grew in power during the 1800's and 1900's and won a number of new rights for women. Many people regard the feminist movement--and the resulting changes in the status of women--as a turning point in the history of society.

The Women's Rights Convention set in motion the crusade for equality for women that continues to this day. The work of Mott, Stanton, and others paved the way for a second wave of women's movements, which emerged during 1960's. The second wave brought about many important legal gains for women in the United States. The Equal Pay Act of 1963 requires equal pay for men and women doing the same work. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits job discrimination on the basis of sex as well as on the basis of color, race, national origin, and religion. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 bans discrimination on the basis of sex by schools and colleges receiving federal funds. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which took effect in 1975, prohibits banks, stores, and other organizations from discriminating on the basis of sex or marital status in making loans or granting credit.

Excerpt adapted from the "Women's Movements" article, The World Book Encyclopedia © 1999