John F. Kennedy's Fight For Female Equality

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“Equality!” People would yell through the streets with fury. The fight for female equality has been going on for centuries. It all started in 1869 when a letter was sent to an editor of “The New York Times” questioning why female government employees were not paid the same as males. After “ The New York Times” posted the thought provoking article, the situation was brought to light in 1869. However, it became a less pressing matter when it passed the Senate in 1870 because people believed that women were inferior to males. There was a situation in 1883 which brought more attention to this growing matter. Communications were stopped across the country because of a strike that happened at Western Union Telegraph Company, whose workers wanted …show more content…
In 1911, New York teachers were finally granted the same pay as their male counterparts. Then World War I happened, which opened more job opportunities for women. Women also got equal pay as males did while men were away during World War 1. After the many years of war and turmoil, the Secretary of Law, Lewis Schwellenbach, tried to get an equal pay amendment passed in 1947. Schwellenbach said, “There is no sex difference in the food she buys or the rent she pays, there should be none in her pay envelope.” Sadly, Schwellenbach was unsuccessful. However in 1963, there finally was a huge step in the fight for female equality. John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act, and in 1964, the Civil Rights Act was signed. Even though these documents were signed, in 2012, 58% is of the labor force were women but were making 77 cents to $1 compared to males. Although males typically had the freedom to be the dominant providers, Title IX is crucial because it protects females’ freedoms and …show more content…
Many used to believe in the “separate spheres doctrine” (Gender Discrimination). Which said men should be in the public sphere, “the world of government, la, trade, and commerce” (GD). While women had roles at home, “the private realm.” Also having “feminine occupations,” such as teaching and nursing, and doing unpaid charitable work as part of a female’s role. Society validated this by declaring that it is “biologically given” or “natural.” But this is not true anymore. More women have started to go to college and receive a higher education. Women have become more powerful as a result of “academic rigor and brilliant scholarship” (Feminism). There are more females in a state of political power and are doing the same jobs as males. Title IX has changed the idea of what a women’s right should
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