Women's Roles in Twentieth-Century America

(Hardback)

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Description

The twentieth century was a time of great transformation in the roles of American women. Women have always worked and raised families, but, theoretically, the world opened up to them with new opportunities to participate fully in society, from voting, to controlling their reproductive cycle, to running a Fortune 500 company. This content-rich overview of women's roles in the modern age is a must-have for every library to fill the gap in resources about women's lives. Students and general readers will trace the development of American women of different classes and ethnicities in education, the home, the law, politics, religion, work, and the arts from the Progressive Era to the new millennium. The twentieth century was a time of great transformation in the roles of American women. Women have always worked and raised families, but, theoretically, the world opened up to them with new opportunities to participate fully in society, from voting, to controlling their reproductive cycle, to running a Fortune 500 company. This content-rich overview of women's roles in the modern age is a must-have for every library to fill the gap in resources about women's lives. Students and general readers will trace the development of American women of different classes and ethnicities in education, the home, the law, politics, religion, work, and the arts from the Progressive Era to the new millennium. Each narrative chapter covers a crucial topic in women's lives and encapsulates the twentieth-century growth and changes. Women's participation in the workforce with its challenges, opportunities, and gains is the focus of Chapter 1. The developing role of women and the family, taking into consideration consumerism and feminism, is the subject of Chapter 2. Chapter 3 explores women and pop culture and the arts-their roles as creators and subjects. Chapter 4 covers education from the early century's access to higher education until today's female hyperachiever. Chapter 5 discusses women and government, from winning the vote through the battle for the Equal Rights Amendment, to Women's Lib, and public office holding. Chapter 6 addresses women and the law, their rights, their use of the law, their practice of it, and court cases affecting them. The final chapter overviews women and religious participation and roles in various denominations. An historical introduction, timeline, photos, and selected bibliography round out the coverage.

Reviews

In this reference for high school and up, May (history, Western Connecticut State University) surveys the roles of women of different classes and ethnicities as workers, parents, artists, and other roles in 20th century America. Chapters are in sections on women and work, family, popular culture and the arts, education, government, law, and religion. An introduction provides historical context. A chronology from 1900 to 2008, glossary, and B&W historical and contemporary photos are included. * Reference & Research Book News *
Special features that enhance the reference value of a historical series are present, such as photographs and a timeline charting the success accomplished by American women. . . . Women's Roles in Twentieth-Century America is a welcome introduction for newcomers to the subject, including undergraduate or high school students researching American women in the twentieth century. The comprehensive timeline and excellent bibliography will encourage readers to delve into critical inquiry about this period. The work shows the move toward greater equality and social justice giving rise to more meaningful opportunities for grassroots and social reform activities. * ARBAonline *
I recommend this resource for high school, undergraduate, and public libraries. * Feminist Collections *

Author Bio

MARTHA MAY is associate professor of history at Western Connecticut State University.