6.1 The 'New Woman' and changing gender norms in the 1920s
4 min read•august 13, 2024
The 1920s saw the rise of the ',' a symbol of changing gender norms. Women gained the right to vote, entered the workforce in larger numbers, and embraced new fashions and behaviors that challenged traditional expectations of .
This shift was driven by political, economic, and social factors. The , World War I, and all contributed to women's increased independence and visibility in public life, reshaping American society and culture.
Emergence of the 'New Woman'
Political and Economic Factors
Top images from around the web for Political and Economic Factors
Women’s Movements | US History II (American Yawp) View original
Is this image relevant?
Primary Source Images: The Progressive Era | United States History II View original
Is this image relevant?
Woman’s Suffrage | Boundless US History View original
Is this image relevant?
Women’s Movements | US History II (American Yawp) View original
Is this image relevant?
Primary Source Images: The Progressive Era | United States History II View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Political and Economic Factors
Women’s Movements | US History II (American Yawp) View original
Is this image relevant?
Primary Source Images: The Progressive Era | United States History II View original
Is this image relevant?
Woman’s Suffrage | Boundless US History View original
Is this image relevant?
Women’s Movements | US History II (American Yawp) View original
Is this image relevant?
Primary Source Images: The Progressive Era | United States History II View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- The 19th Amendment ratified in 1920 granted women the right to vote, marking a significant milestone in the women's suffrage movement
- Contributed to a sense of empowerment among women
- World War I (1914-1918) had a profound impact on gender roles
- Women entered the workforce in large numbers to fill positions vacated by men serving in the military
- Led to increased economic independence and shifting perceptions of women's capabilities
Social and Cultural Factors
- The rise of and mass production in the 1920s led to the availability of new products and technologies
- Simplified household chores, allowing women more time to pursue education, careers, and leisure activities
- Urbanization and the growth of cities in the early 20th century provided women with new opportunities
- Employment, socializing, and cultural engagement contributed to the development of a more independent and public-facing feminine identity
- The influence of Freudian psychology and the popularization of ideas about
- Challenged traditional notions of female sexuality and encouraged women to express themselves more freely
- The emergence of new forms of popular culture (jazz music, dance halls, cinema) created spaces for women to engage in new forms of self-expression and socialization outside of the home
Impact of the 'New Woman' on Society
Fashion and Behavior
- The 'flapper' style became an iconic fashion trend associated with the 'New Woman'
- Characterized by shorter hemlines, , and a more boyish silhouette
- Represented a rejection of traditional feminine dress codes and an embrace of more practical, comfortable, and expressive clothing
- The 'New Woman' was associated with new forms of social behavior (smoking, drinking, dancing in public)
- Challenged traditional expectations of feminine propriety and decorum
- The popularity of new forms of entertainment (jazz clubs, dance halls) provided women with new opportunities for public socialization and self-expression
- Contributed to a more visible and active feminine presence in the public sphere
Changing Gender Roles
- Women's participation in the workforce increased during the 1920s
- More women pursued careers in fields such as teaching, nursing, and clerical work
- Challenged traditional notions of women's roles as primarily domestic and maternal
- The 'New Woman' was often portrayed in popular media as independent, confident, and sexually liberated
- Contributed to shifting cultural attitudes about gender roles and expectations
- The increased availability of contraception and the popularization of ideas about sexual liberation
- Contributed to changing attitudes about women's sexual agency and the acceptability of premarital sex
Backlash Against the 'New Woman'
Conservative Criticism
- Conservative social and religious groups often criticized the 'New Woman' as a threat to traditional family values and gender roles
- Argued that women's increased independence and sexual liberation would lead to moral decay and social disorder
- Despite the gains made by women in the 1920s, traditional gender norms and expectations continued to shape many aspects of women's lives
- Particularly in the domestic sphere and in rural areas where the influence of the 'New Woman' was less pronounced
Discrimination and Stereotyping
- Some employers and educators continued to discriminate against women
- Limited their opportunities for advancement and reinforced traditional gender hierarchies in the workplace and in higher education
- The media often portrayed the 'New Woman' in a sensationalized and exaggerated manner
- Contributed to public anxiety about the perceived excesses and dangers of modern femininity
- The economic and social upheavals of the Great Depression in the 1930s led to a resurgence of traditional gender roles
- Backlash against the perceived excesses of the 1920s, including the independence and sexual liberation associated with the 'New Woman'
Media and the 'New Woman'
Print Media
- The rise of mass-circulation magazines (The Saturday Evening Post, Ladies' Home Journal) played a significant role in disseminating images and ideas about the 'New Woman' to a wide audience
- Often featured articles, advertisements, and illustrations that depicted the 'New Woman' as fashionable, independent, and engaged in new forms of leisure and consumption
- Advertising campaigns in the 1920s often used images of the 'New Woman' to sell products associated with modern femininity (cigarettes, cosmetics, fashion)
- Helped to popularize and normalize the image of the 'New Woman' as a consumer and a symbol of modern femininity
Visual Media
- The emergence of new forms of visual media (cinema, newsreels) provided new platforms for the representation of the 'New Woman' in popular culture
- Films of the 1920s often featured strong, independent female characters who embodied the ideals of the 'New Woman' (Clara Bow in "It" (1927), Louise Brooks in "Pandora's Box" (1929))
- The media's representation of the 'New Woman' was often contradictory and ambivalent
- Reflected the complex and contested nature of changing gender roles and expectations in the 1920s
- While some media outlets celebrated the 'New Woman' as a symbol of progress and liberation, others criticized her as a threat to traditional values and social order
- The media's portrayal of the 'New Woman' had a significant impact on public perceptions and debates about gender roles and women's rights in the 1920s and beyond
- The iconic image of the 'flapper' became a lasting symbol of the cultural and social changes of the 1920s
- Served as a touchstone for future discussions of women's liberation and empowerment
Key Terms to Review (20)
19th Amendment: The 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1920, granted women the legal right to vote, marking a significant victory for the women's suffrage movement. This amendment transformed the political landscape by breaking down barriers that kept women from participating in the democratic process and challenged the prevailing separate spheres ideology that confined women to domestic roles.
Bobbed hair: Bobbed hair refers to a short hairstyle that became popular among women in the 1920s, characterized by hair cut straight around the head at about jaw-level, often with a fringe or bangs. This hairstyle symbolized the emergence of the 'New Woman,' who embraced modernity, independence, and a break from traditional gender norms, reflecting broader societal changes in attitudes towards femininity and personal expression.
Consumerism: Consumerism is the social and economic ideology that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts. It emphasizes the importance of buying products and engaging in consumption as a means of expressing identity, social status, and personal fulfillment. During the 1920s, consumerism played a significant role in shaping the identity of the 'New Woman' as it reflected changing gender norms, empowering women to embrace their independence and leisure through the purchase of new products like fashion, cosmetics, and household appliances.
Equal Rights Amendment: The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution aimed at guaranteeing equal legal rights for all American citizens, regardless of sex. It was introduced in 1923 and seeks to eliminate legal distinctions between men and women in matters of divorce, property, employment, and other areas of law, highlighting ongoing debates about gender equality in American society.
Femininity: Femininity refers to the qualities, behaviors, and roles that society typically associates with women and girls. In the context of the 1920s, femininity underwent significant transformation as women began to challenge traditional gender norms, embracing new identities that emphasized independence, self-expression, and modernity. This shift was embodied by the concept of the 'New Woman,' who defied societal expectations and represented a break from the past.
Flapper dress: A flapper dress is a style of women's clothing that became popular in the 1920s, characterized by its loose fit, dropped waist, and often embellished with fringe or sequins. This fashion symbolized the emerging 'New Woman' who embraced freedom, independence, and a break from traditional gender norms during the Roaring Twenties.
Flapper movement: The flapper movement refers to a cultural phenomenon in the 1920s where young women, known as flappers, embraced a new lifestyle characterized by boldness, independence, and a rejection of traditional gender roles. This movement symbolized the changing gender norms of the time, as flappers challenged societal expectations by wearing shorter dresses, cutting their hair into bobs, and engaging in behaviors that were once considered scandalous, such as smoking and drinking in public. The flapper movement represented a broader shift towards modernity and the empowerment of women in American society.
Gender fluidity: Gender fluidity refers to a flexible approach to gender identity, where an individual may experience a mix of traditional gender identities or may shift between them over time. This concept challenges rigid gender binaries by recognizing that one's gender can be dynamic and influenced by personal feelings, societal changes, and cultural contexts.
Margaret Sanger: Margaret Sanger was a pioneering American birth control activist and sex educator, who played a crucial role in the early 20th century movement for women's reproductive rights. She founded the first birth control clinic in the U.S. in 1916 and established organizations that eventually became Planned Parenthood, advocating for women's access to contraception as a means to gain control over their bodies and lives. Her work influenced shifting societal norms around gender roles, family planning, and sexual freedom.
Masculinity: Masculinity refers to the set of attributes, behaviors, and roles traditionally associated with boys and men. It encompasses a range of social, cultural, and historical contexts that shape what it means to be 'male' in a given society. Over time, the understanding of masculinity has evolved, reflecting changes in gender norms, power dynamics, and societal expectations.
New Woman: The term 'New Woman' refers to a feminist ideal that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, representing a shift in women's roles, attitudes, and lifestyles. This concept embodied independence, education, and participation in the public sphere, often challenging traditional gender norms and advocating for women's rights in various spheres including professional fields and politics.
Professional women: Professional women refers to women who engage in careers or occupations that require specialized education, training, and skills, often in fields like medicine, law, education, and business. In the context of changing gender norms during the 1920s, the emergence of professional women marked a significant shift as societal expectations began to evolve, allowing women greater access to higher education and professional opportunities that were previously dominated by men.
Sexual liberation: Sexual liberation refers to the movement towards freedom in sexual expression and the rejection of traditional norms surrounding sexuality, including the acceptance of diverse sexual orientations and practices. This concept emerged significantly in the 20th century as part of broader social movements advocating for women's rights, personal autonomy, and sexual health.
Silent films: Silent films are movies that do not have synchronized sound for dialogue, relying instead on visual storytelling and intertitles to convey the plot. These films were the dominant form of cinema from the late 19th century until the late 1920s, playing a significant role in shaping societal views on gender roles and the emergence of the 'New Woman' in the 1920s.
The Great Gatsby: The Great Gatsby is a novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, published in 1925, that captures the essence of the Roaring Twenties and explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. The story revolves around the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby and his obsession with the beautiful Daisy Buchanan, set against a backdrop of changing social norms and shifting gender roles during this vibrant decade.
Urbanization: Urbanization is the process through which cities grow as more people move from rural areas to urban centers, significantly altering social structures, economies, and lifestyles. This shift has profound implications for gender roles, as it reshapes traditional family dynamics and introduces new opportunities and challenges for both men and women in emerging industrial contexts.
Virginia Woolf: Virginia Woolf was a prominent English author and modernist known for her innovative narrative techniques and exploration of gender, identity, and the inner workings of the human mind. Her writings often challenge traditional gender roles and reflect the complexities of women's experiences in the early 20th century, making her a key figure in discussions about women's liberation and the evolving social landscape of that time.
Women in the workforce: Women in the workforce refers to the participation of women in paid employment, which has evolved significantly over time due to social, economic, and political changes. As societal norms shifted, women's roles expanded beyond traditional domestic responsibilities, particularly during major events like wars and legislative changes that empowered women to seek careers and assert their independence.
Women’s suffrage movement: The women's suffrage movement was a social and political campaign advocating for the right of women to vote, which emerged prominently in the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries. This movement was pivotal in challenging and transforming gender roles, leading to significant legislative changes, including the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which granted women the right to vote. The movement's origins can be traced back to the Seneca Falls Convention, where early feminists laid the groundwork for future activism and highlighted the inequalities faced by women.
World War I impact on women: The impact of World War I on women refers to the significant changes in women's roles and societal perceptions during and after the war. As men went off to fight, women took on jobs that were previously considered male-dominated, leading to a shift in gender norms and expectations. This period marked the beginning of a transformation towards more progressive views on women's capabilities and rights, laying the groundwork for future movements advocating for gender equality.