Imagine being told you couldn’t own property, work a job, or even make decisions about your own body simply because of your gender.
aIt’s hard to believe, but for much of American history, this was the reality for women. Until the 1970s, society’s rules kept women restricted in ways that seem unthinkable today.
From denied rights in the workplace to limited control over their own health, women were systematically stripped of their autonomy.
But despite these challenges, the 1970s marked a period of monumental change, where the foundation was laid for women’s equality. Here’s a look back at just how far we’ve come, and how much further we still need to go.
The Right to Control Their Own Bodies
Up until the 1970s, women had little say over their reproductive health. Contraceptives were illegal in many states, and even if they were available, women had to rely on their husbands or fathers for consent to use them.
The landmark Griswold v. Connecticut case in 1965 allowed married couples to access birth control legally, but it wasn’t until Roe v. Wade in 1973 that women gained the constitutional right to abortion.
These monumental cases signified the beginning of women’s control over their bodies, a freedom that was long denied to them.
Financial Independence
For decades, American women couldn’t open a bank account or get a credit card without a male co-signer, often their husband or father.
Financial autonomy was considered a privilege reserved for men, limiting women’s opportunities for growth and independence. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974 changed that by making it illegal for creditors to discriminate on the basis of gender.
This legislation was pivotal in allowing women to build their own financial futures, starting businesses and creating wealth without the need for male approval.
Property Ownership
Property laws throughout much of American history reflected a time when women were seen as the property of their husbands.
It wasn’t uncommon for a woman’s legal rights to be tied to her male counterpart. Before the Married Women’s Property Acts were passed, women had little say in property ownership.
The 1970s saw significant changes, with women gaining legal access to property ownership. This allowed women to accumulate wealth and engage in decisions that were previously off-limits, setting the stage for economic equality.
Workplace Rights
Women in the workforce faced an uphill battle in the 1970s. Employers could fire women for becoming pregnant, and it was common for women to be paid much less than men for the same work. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 was a crucial step forward, making it illegal for employers to discriminate against pregnant women. Although equal pay was still elusive, this law marked a critical step toward creating a more equitable workplace for women.
Limited Career Options
In the pre-1970s workforce, women were expected to take on roles like teaching, nursing, or secretarial work. These careers were deemed “appropriate” for women, while higher-paying or prestigious roles were closed to them.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 made it illegal to discriminate based on gender, paving the way for women to enter professions like law, business, and engineering.
This opened doors for women to pursue the careers they were capable of, shifting the social narrative about women’s role in the workforce.
Marriage
Women had few options in unhappy marriages. Until the 1970s, divorce laws often placed all the blame on women, leaving them with little to no recourse for leaving an unsatisfactory or even abusive relationship. T
he introduction of No-Fault Divorce laws in the 1970s allowed women to divorce without needing to prove fault, giving them the legal power to leave marriages that weren’t serving them. This shift was monumental in giving women more control over their own relationships and lives.
The Right to Serve on a Jury
For much of American history, women were excluded from jury duty. The assumption was that women were too emotional or irrational to make impartial decisions in legal cases.
It wasn’t until the 1970s that women were finally allowed to serve on juries, giving them an essential voice in the justice system.
This was a vital step in ensuring women were seen as equals under the law, participating in one of the most important civic duties.
LGBTQ+ Rights
While it wasn’t until the 21st century that same-sex marriage was legalized in the U.S., the 1970s saw the first attempts at marriage equality.
In 1970, two men, Jack Baker and Mike McConnell, applied for a marriage license in Minnesota, starting the legal battle for same-sex marriage.
Although their application was denied, it sparked a national movement that would eventually lead to the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015. The 1970s thus laid the groundwork for LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality.
Conclusion
While the 1970s were a turning point for women’s rights, there’s still work to be done. Equal pay remains an elusive goal, and women continue to face systemic barriers in leadership positions.
Reproductive rights are being threatened in some parts of the country, and many women still struggle for equal opportunities in the workforce.
The fight for equality may have begun in the 1970s, but it is far from over.
As we continue to break down barriers, let us remember the sacrifices of the women who fought before us, and the work still ahead to ensure that women can fully live up to their potential.
Women’s rights in the 1970s were a battleground, with countless legal battles won that paved the way for greater equality.
From reproductive freedom to the right to own property and open a bank account, the foundation for women’s equality was laid during this era.
However, the fight for equality is ongoing, and women today continue to face challenges in achieving full rights and opportunities. Let’s honor the progress made while striving for a future of complete equality.
