Women’s Lives in American History: Shifting Perspectives and Progress

Views on Women's Work and Welfare

Views on women's work and welfare underwent significant transformations between the 1970s and the 1870s. In the latter years of the 1970s, there was a notable shift towards greater acceptance of women in the workplace as capable professionals entrusted with responsibilities. The proportion of women in various positions steadily rose from minimal representation in the 1870s to a significant presence in the 1970s, including top managerial roles. Previously, women were predominantly limited to entry and middle-level positions, but in later years, more women ascended to top managerial positions. 

Factors Driving Change

These changes can be attributed to the progress and proliferation of liberal movements, such as feminist and civil rights movements. These social movements facilitated the election of more women to positions of authority, leadership, and managerial roles. In 1972, President Richard Nixon passed the Equal Rights Amendment, which prohibited gender-based discrimination, particularly in employment and education sectors. This legislative action bolstered the representation of female employees and their advancement into higher positions of authority.