20 th Century Social Movements

1. 20th Century Social Movements Women Environment Handicapped

2. Women’s Movement • Feminism: theory of political, social and economic equality of men and women • First used in 1895 when women recognized that they had a disadvantage in many aspects in society • As late as the 1970’s, many still held the belief that women should only work outside the home for a short period before turning their attention toward home and family

3. Women’s Movement Impact of the Civil Right Movement: • Women applied the same techniques as were used in the fight for civil rights • Gave women the legal tools to fight • 1964 Civil Rights Act • An amendment to the bill was added to fight gender discrimination • However, women quickly learned that their discrimination claims would not be taken seriously

4. Women’s Movement Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan • Described the cultural patterns that prevented women achieving their full potential NOW: National Organization for Women: • Goal was to bring into full participation in mainstream society • Sought equal pay and equal job opportunity as well as more balance in marriage & home

5. Women’s Movement • Roe v. Wade (1973) • Made abortion legal within the first 3 months of pregnancy • Forced many states to change existing laws that outlawed the procedure • Decision based on constitutional right to personal privacy

6. Environmental Movement Rachel Carson: biologist who wanted to be a writer • Main theme in her works was that humans are part of nature and carried greater responsibility because they has power to change the environment • 1962 Silent Spring most famous work attacking the use of pesticides including DDT

7. Disabled Americans Rehabilitation Act of 1973: prohibits discrimination in any federally funded program Education for all Handicapped Children of 1975: ensures free education for children with disabilities Mainstreaming: bring handicapped students out of isolation and into “mainstream” student life. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990: prohibits discrimination in public accommodation, transportation, government and communication.

8. Other Social Movements AIM: American Indian Movement • Focus on special problems of Indians in cities • Set up patrols to monitor street activity • Encouraged racial pride in young people • Fought for autonomy – self-government • Sought to restore lands that they lost

9. Ethnic Minority Groups Latino Americans • United Farm Workers • Organized by Cesar Chavez to improve working conditions for migrant farm workers • Created a union and forced a law that required collective bargaining between growers and farm workers