Women and Social Change in America: A Survey of a Century of Progress

This book examines modern advances in gender equality and contemporary feminist discourse as a result of the American sexual revolution. It explains how and why the sexual revolution of the 1960s continues to have profound effects on modern views of femininity and what it means to be an American woman. The author argues that although efforts had been made to break down traditional gender roles in the early 20th century, particularly in the realms of higher education and professional achievement, the absence of effective and available birth control hampered real progress. Citing "the pill" as the principal catalyst for the sexual revolution and the subsequent gender revolution which continues today, the book examines the ascent of American women in the 21st century and comments on the social and ideological changes that contributed to it. Chapters examine the entrance of women into formerly male-dominated occupations--including jobs in the military, religion, science, mathematics, law, medicine, government, and politics.