In the 20s and the 30s there is no women's movement and little progress is made in addressing women's issues. In this essay, I will explain as to what extent this is an accurate statement and to what extent it is inaccurate There are many reasons as to why there was not a strong women's movement, as well as many reasons as to why there was a visible women's movement during this time.
The 20s and 30s were a tough time for the economy of America. A women's movement just seemed impossible during this time. The Depression was a big part of why there was so little movement. There was a 25% unemployment rate at this time. Many factories closed, leaving thousands out of work, including women. The banks also closed, the depression was a huge domino effect. The economy was so poor and no one new what to do about it. Herbert Hoover was president during this time, and he believed that the way to solve the depression was "industry, thrift, and self appliance". He thought that it was in the hands of the people. The depression had a great effect on there being no strong women's movement. There just wasn't enough money to support it. .
The women's movement was also divided during this time. There was just too many issues to be talked about, and the women's movement was too broad to make a difference. They All the different associations needed to unite more to make a difference. Too many focuses included those such as social reform, race issues, equal rights for women, equal pay, sexual freedom, not being confined to the home. All these factors just caused a huge division in the women's movement. Society just wasn't ready and willing to deal with a women's movement. There were simply too many other important things to focus on than the rights of women at this time.
Although looking on the surface of the 20s and 30s, it seems like there is little women's movement, but there were actually many advances for women during this time also.
