Women have made incredible strides over the past century. However, just a few decades ago, many basic rights and freedoms that women today take for granted were unavailable to them.
The 1970s marked a significant turning point in American history, as women fought for and won rights that were once denied, radically changing society and giving them more control over their lives. Yet, the history of women’s rights is filled with obstacles, and many freedoms were hard-won after centuries of discrimination.
In this article, we take a closer look at some of the most shocking things women could not do until the 1970s, a period that ushered in new possibilities for women.
The Right to Education and Career Advancement
Before the 1970s, women were often relegated to certain “acceptable” fields of study and careers, usually related to caregiving, teaching, or secretarial work. Higher education was considered unnecessary for women, and many were discouraged from pursuing ambitious careers.
However, in the early 1970s, the rise of the feminist movement and legal changes began to transform women’s access to education. The Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 played a pivotal role in opening doors for women by prohibiting sex-based discrimination in educational institutions, ensuring women could attend college and pursue careers in fields like law, medicine, engineering, and business.
The legal and cultural barriers that once confined women’s career opportunities have gradually been dismantled, enabling women to reach higher levels of education and professional success than ever before.
The Right to Divorce Without Stigma
Divorce was once taboo for women, especially if they were financially dependent on their husbands. Before the 1970s, a woman’s ability to leave an unhappy marriage was often restricted by societal and legal constraints.
Divorce was not only financially complicated but also socially stigmatized. The No-Fault Divorce law passed in California in 1970 marked a breakthrough for women, as it allowed for divorce without having to prove fault or wrongdoing on the part of either spouse. This was a game-changer for women, as it gave them greater autonomy over their lives and relationships.
While divorce rates did climb in the wake of this law, it also provided women with the freedom to exit unhealthy marriages and seek personal happiness without the fear of being blamed or ostracized.
The Right to Make Decisions About Their Own Bodies
Until the 1970s, American women were often denied control over their own bodies. One of the most glaring examples is the lack of reproductive rights. Birth control, though available in certain forms, was not widely accessible, and it wasn’t until 1972 that the Supreme Court ruled in Eisenstadt v. Baird that unmarried women had the right to use contraception. Prior to that, many women were unable to make decisions about their family size, as men held the power in these matters.
The landmark Roe v. Wade decision in 1973 further solidified women’s autonomy over their bodies by affirming their right to legal abortion, a crucial moment in the fight for reproductive rights. However, this fight is ongoing, with debates over abortion access still dominating political discourse. Despite this, the ’70s were instrumental in establishing the notion that women could, and should, have authority over their own reproductive choices.
The Right to Work Without Facing Gender Discrimination
Before the 1970s, women were often excluded from certain professions simply because of their gender. Many job advertisements openly listed gender as a requirement, with roles designated for men or women. Additionally, women who did manage to secure employment often faced lower wages and fewer opportunities for advancement. T
he Equal Pay Act of 1963 and the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 were instrumental in breaking down some of these barriers, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that these laws began to be enforced more effectively.
One of the most crucial victories came in 1972 with the Equal Employment Opportunity Act, which made it illegal for employers to discriminate on the basis of sex in hiring, firing, and promotions. Still, gender inequality in the workplace persists today, with women continuing to face the gender pay gap and underrepresentation in leadership positions across industries.
The Right to Serve on a Jury
It might seem unbelievable today, but until the late 20th century, women were often excluded from serving on juries. Laws restricting jury service based on gender were in place for many years, under the assumption that women’s roles were in the home and not in legal or public affairs. The fight to change this began in the 1960s, and by the early 1970s, several states had passed laws allowing women to serve as jurors.
Despite the historic legal changes, it wasn’t until 1975 that the Taylor v. Louisiana case ruled that the exclusion of women from juries was unconstitutional. Since then, women have actively participated in jury duty, but it remains a reminder of how deeply entrenched gender stereotypes were in the legal system.
The Right to Own Property and Manage Finances Independently
For much of American history, married women were legally considered to be under the authority of their husbands. This “coverture” system meant that women couldn’t own property, manage finances, or even sign contracts independently.
The 1970s saw the gradual dismantling of these archaic laws. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974 allowed women to apply for loans, mortgages, and credit cards in their own name without their husband’s permission.
Before this, many women were financially dependent on their male relatives or spouses. They couldn’t manage their own assets or make financial decisions. The fact that women today can own property, start businesses, and have financial independence is a direct result of these legal advancements, but the changes only came about after much resistance and hard-fought battles.
The Right to Control Their Sexuality
Women’s control over their sexuality and sexual health was often controlled by societal norms and legal restrictions. Before the ’70s, women’s sexual autonomy was largely governed by the expectations of marriage and motherhood.
Birth control, though available in certain forms, was not widely accessible, and abortion was illegal in most states. It wasn’t until Roe v. Wade in 1973 that women’s right to choose an abortion was federally protected.
Access to contraception and reproductive health care empowered women to make decisions about their bodies, paving the way for more liberated, fulfilling sexual lives.
Key Takeaways
While significant strides have been made since the 1970s, the journey to equality is far from over. Women still face challenges such as the gender pay gap, underrepresentation in political leadership, and ongoing struggles for reproductive rights.
Nevertheless, the achievements of the ’70s laid the foundation for progress, creating a world where women can enjoy the rights and freedoms that were once denied to them.
In reflecting on the remarkable changes of the past decades, it’s important to acknowledge the battles fought by previous generations to secure the freedoms women enjoy today. The struggle continues, but the road paved by the ’70s stands as a testament to the power of advocacy, legal reform, and societal change.
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