Summary

In the 1920s, women got the right to vote, more women attended college, new appliances made housework easier, and contraception meant they were not condemned to constant child-bearing and child-rearing. Forward-thinking 'flappers' wore short skirts, danced, and broke social rules.

However, women still earned less than men, faced discrimination at work and education, and had limited political power. Many still prioritized marriage and motherhood over careers. Flappers and women's freedoms were opposed by conservative organisations, and trivialised and commercialised.

And girls who came from poor, rural families, or from the Southern States, and particuarly from Black, Latina or Native American families, were additionally disadvantaged.

So, despite some progress, many barriers remained and, while the 1920s brought some changes in attitudes, women were a long way from equality.

How much did life change for women in the 1920s?

The 1920s were a time of both significant progress and persistent challenges for women in America. This decade, often called the Roaring Twenties, saw women make strides in various areas, yet they still faced numerous obstacles.

One of the most significant advancements was the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting women the right to vote. This newfound political power forced politicians to consider female opinions in their campaigns and policies. Women's organizations, like the League of Women Voters, emerged, advocating for women's rights and providing support for women entering public and professional life. Former suffrage campaigners formed the Woman's Joint Congressional Committee, successfully lobbying for laws such as the Maternity and Infancy Protection Act (1921) and equal nationality rights for married women (1922).

In the realm of education, more women attended high school and college, gaining better qualifications and expanding their opportunities for professional careers. Higher education for women grew, providing them with the skills and knowledge needed for professions like teaching and secretarial work. The rise of new job opportunities, particularly in office work, retail, and manufacturing, led to a 25% increase in the number of working women during the decade.

Technological advancements also played a role in changing women's lives. New household appliances, such as washing machines and vacuum cleaners, reduced the time spent on domestic chores. This allowed women to pursue other interests, including education and employment. Contraception became more accessible thanks to campaigners like Margaret Sanger, who opened the first birth control clinic in 1916 and established the American Birth Control League in 1921. This freedom from constant childbirth and child-rearing gave women more control over their lives.

Socially, the 1920s were marked by the emergence of the flapper—a new type of woman who defied traditional norms. Flappers wore short skirts, had short hair, and embraced a lifestyle that included smoking, drinking, and dancing in jazz clubs. They represented a break from the past and an embrace of modernity. Media, including movies, radio, and magazines, played a significant role in shaping women's perceptions of themselves, offering independent and assertive role models.

However, despite these advancements, many limitations persisted. Higher education opportunities were still restricted, with women often steered towards "appropriate" subjects like teaching and home economics. Most working women were in low-paid jobs and earned less than men for the same work. By 1930, although 10 million women were working, this was only a quarter of the females aged 15 and over; the rest worked without pay in the home and on farms.

Discrimination in the workplace was rampant, with many employers refusing to hire women for skilled positions. Trade unions often excluded women or did not support their rights, and women in male-dominated occupations faced hostility. Many working-class women, particularly those from poor and rural backgrounds, endured poor working conditions, long hours, and low wages. African American, Latina, and Native American women faced additional restrictions due to racism.

In politics, women remained vastly underrepresented despite having the vote. Few women held significant political positions, and their influence on policy-making was limited. Traditional gender roles persisted, with most women expected to prioritize marriage and motherhood. In many states, married women had limited legal rights and were considered the property of their husbands.

The decade also saw a conservative backlash against the feminist movement, with many Americans scandalized by the flappers. Organizations like the Anti-Flirt Association tried to persuade young women to behave "decently." While the flapper image symbolized liberation, by the end of the 1920s, it had been appropriated to sell cosmetics and other luxuries, trivializing feminist aspirations.

Overall, the 1920s were a decade of both progress and setbacks for women. While they gained new freedoms and opportunities, many traditional barriers remained firmly in place.