1. Voting Rights: Women had achieved the right to vote in 1920 with the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. However, voter suppression tactics, particularly in the South, continued to limit the ability of many women, especially women of color, to exercise their voting rights.
2. Employment: The Great Depression, which began in 1929, affected women workers disproportionately. Many women lost their jobs, and those who remained employed often faced lower wages and limited opportunities. However, some industries saw an increase in female workers, such as in clerical and service occupations.
3. Labor Rights: Women workers began to organize and fight for better labor conditions and equal pay. The National Labor Relations Act of 1935, which protected the rights of workers to organize unions and bargain collectively, included women workers. However, women faced challenges in union leadership positions and often struggled to achieve equal pay for equal work.
4. Economic Opportunities: Women's economic opportunities were still limited compared to men. They were less likely to hold professional or managerial positions and were often concentrated in low-paying occupations. Discrimination in hiring, pay, and promotions was widespread.
5. Education: Women made significant gains in education during the 1930s. The number of women attending colleges and universities increased, and women began to pursue higher degrees in fields such as law and medicine. However, gender-based stereotypes and discrimination continued to limit women's educational opportunities and career choices.
6. Social and Cultural Attitudes: Traditional gender roles and norms persisted during the 1930s. Women were often seen primarily as wives and mothers, responsible for domestic duties and childrearing. The ideal of "separate spheres" for men and women was still prevalent, limiting women's participation in public life and decision-making.
7. Reproductive Rights: Access to birth control and reproductive healthcare remained limited for women during this period. Birth control was illegal in some states, and even where legal, it was not widely accessible or affordable for many women. Abortion was highly restricted and often considered illegal.
8. Legal Rights: Women faced various legal inequalities. They had fewer rights in marriage and divorce, and their property rights were often subordinate to those of their husbands. In many cases, women's legal status was determined by their marital status, limiting their independence and autonomy.
Despite the challenges and limitations, the 1930s marked a period of progress and activism for women's rights. Women's organizations and movements, such as the National Woman's Party and the National Consumers League, played a vital role in advocating for women's rights and working towards greater equality and opportunities for women in American society.