Back in Time Today
The 1950s were a transformative era, but they were also a time when women faced significant restrictions in their daily lives. Many of the freedoms and rights women enjoy today were not available to them back then. This post explores 25 things that illustrate the challenges women faced during the 1950s, showcasing how far society has come in terms of gender equality and women’s rights.
Obtain a Credit Card
In the 1950s, obtaining a credit card without a male co-signer was nearly impossible for women. They were often viewed as financially unreliable by lenders, making credit independence a significant hurdle. Women had to rely on their fathers or husbands for financial transactions, impacting their autonomy.
Today, women can easily apply for credit cards in their own names, reflecting societal progression towards gender equality in financial matters. The ability to manage personal finances is crucial for independence, and modern women take this capability for granted, a stark contrast to the struggles of the past.
Serve on a Jury
Women in the 1950s were often barred from serving on juries, a civic duty seen as essential for a fair justice system. This exclusion sent a message that women’s opinions were less valued. Legal battles ensued to challenge these discriminatory laws.
By the 1960s and beyond, women gained the right to serve, bringing diverse perspectives to the courtroom. Today, serving on a jury is a right and responsibility both men and women hold, highlighting the progress made in gender equality within the legal system, something modern women might not give a second thought.
Pursue Higher Education
Access to higher education was limited for women in the 1950s. Many colleges and universities had quotas or did not admit women at all, severely restricting their career opportunities. Education was often seen as unnecessary for women, whose primary role was expected to be homemaking.
Today, women are not only welcomed but encouraged to pursue higher education. They attend colleges and universities in numbers equal to or greater than men in many fields, breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated disciplines. This shift marks a significant change from past limitations.
Access Birth Control
Access to birth control was severely restricted for women in the 1950s. The lack of reliable contraception kept women tied to traditional domestic roles, limiting their personal and professional choices. Many states prohibited the distribution of contraceptive information.
Today, women have the freedom to choose from various birth control methods, empowering them to make decisions about their own bodies and futures. This access is crucial for gender equality, allowing women to pursue careers and education without the constraint of unplanned pregnancies, a liberty that was hard-fought.
Open a Bank Account
Opening a bank account independently was a challenge for women in the 1950s, as banks required a male co-signer. This dependency on men for financial transactions limited their ability to manage personal and household finances.
Today, women can open bank accounts in their own names without any male involvement, granting them financial independence. This financial freedom is a fundamental right that supports women’s autonomy and empowerment, contrasting sharply with the limitations of the past. Such advancements reflect a broader societal shift towards gender equality.
Get Equal Pay
Women in the 1950s often received lower wages than men for doing the same job. The concept of equal pay for equal work was not legally enforced, and many women struggled to make ends meet while working alongside higher-paid male coworkers.
Today, while challenges remain, significant strides have been made toward closing the gender pay gap. Equal pay is a legal standard that continues to evolve, reflecting ongoing efforts to ensure fairness in the workplace. Modern women expect and demand this level of equality, something unheard of in the past.
Attend an Ivy League School
Women were largely excluded from Ivy League schools until the latter half of the 20th century. These prestigious institutions were bastions of male privilege, limiting women’s access to elite education and networking opportunities.
Today, women not only attend but excel in Ivy League schools, participating fully in academic and extracurricular activities. This access provides them with opportunities to thrive in various fields, promoting gender equality in academic achievements. Such educational advancements were unimaginable in the 1950s when women were denied such opportunities.
Obtain a Loan
In the 1950s, securing a loan was a daunting task for women. Lenders were often hesitant to provide credit without a male guarantor, reflecting societal biases that doubted women’s financial reliability.
Today, women can secure loans independently for personal or business purposes, reflecting a shift in societal attitudes towards gender and creditworthiness. This ability to access financial resources is crucial for entrepreneurship and personal growth, showcasing the progress made since the 1950s in overcoming gender-biased financial barriers.
Wear Pants Publicly
Wearing pants in public was frowned upon for women in the 1950s, reflecting societal expectations about gender and dress codes. Pants were seen as masculine attire, and women who wore them were often judged.
Today, women enjoy the freedom to choose their attire, including pants, reflecting broader acceptance of diverse gender expressions. This change highlights the shift towards modern ideas of personal choice and gender equality in fashion, where women express themselves freely without fear of societal judgment, a liberty that was not available in the past.
Have a Legal Abortion
In the 1950s, abortion was largely illegal, forcing women to resort to dangerous methods or carry unwanted pregnancies to term. This lack of choice over reproductive rights severely impacted women’s health and autonomy.
Today, while the debate continues, many women have access to safe and legal abortion services, allowing them control over their reproductive health. This access is a critical aspect of gender equality, enabling women to make informed decisions about their futures, a stark contrast to the limited options available in the past.
Own Property
Owning property was a challenge for women in the 1950s, as laws often required male co-signers or restricted property rights for women. This dependency limited their financial independence and investment opportunities.
Today, women can buy, own, and sell property without any male assistance, reflecting significant legal and societal changes. Property ownership is a key element of financial security and independence, illustrating the progress made towards gender equality since the restrictive laws of the 1950s.
Participate in Olympics
Participation in the Olympics was limited for women in the 1950s, with fewer events and opportunities compared to men. This disparity reflected broader societal beliefs about women’s physical capabilities.
Today, women compete in nearly all the same sports as men at the Olympics, showcasing their athletic talents on a global stage. This evolution in sports inclusion highlights the progress towards gender equality, where women’s achievements are celebrated alongside men’s, breaking barriers once imposed by outdated gender norms.
Work Night Shifts
Working night shifts was often prohibited for women in the 1950s, reflecting societal concerns about their safety and moral welfare. These restrictions limited women’s employment opportunities in various industries.
Today, women have the agency to work any hours they choose, including night shifts, providing them the flexibility to balance work and personal responsibilities. This change represents broader societal acceptance of women’s autonomy in making career choices, reflecting a significant departure from past limitations imposed by protective labor laws.
Join the Military
Joining the military was a challenging pursuit for women in the 1950s, with limited roles and opportunities for advancement. Women’s contributions were often confined to nursing or administrative positions.
Today, women serve in all branches of the military, including combat roles, reflecting a broader acceptance of their capabilities. This inclusion represents a substantial shift towards gender equality, allowing women to contribute fully to national defense and pursue careers in the armed forces, a sharp contrast to the constraints of the past.
Run a Marathon
Running a marathon was not officially sanctioned for women in the 1950s, with many events explicitly barring female participation. This exclusion reflected doubts about women’s endurance capabilities.
Today, women participate in marathons worldwide, demonstrating equal athletic prowess. The inclusion of women in such events marks a significant advancement in gender equality in sports, allowing women to challenge themselves and achieve personal goals. This progress reflects broader changes in societal attitudes towards women’s capabilities.
Become a CEO
Becoming a CEO was virtually unheard of for women in the 1950s, with corporate leadership roles dominated by men. Women were often relegated to supportive or secretarial roles, with few opportunities for advancement.
Today, women lead Fortune 500 companies and startups alike, breaking through the glass ceiling that once held them back. This shift illustrates significant progress in workplace gender equality, where women’s leadership and contributions are increasingly recognized and valued. The path to executive roles is now more accessible for women, unlike in the past.
Become a Lawyer
Becoming a lawyer was a challenging path for women in the 1950s, with law schools and firms largely dominated by men. Women faced significant biases and were often discouraged from pursuing legal careers.
Today, women constitute a significant percentage of law students and practicing lawyers, actively shaping the legal profession. This evolution in the legal field highlights the progress made towards gender equality, where women can pursue their ambitions in law without the barriers once imposed by societal norms.
Travel Alone
Traveling alone was often frowned upon for women in the 1950s, with societal norms emphasizing the need for male companionship for safety and propriety. This limitation restricted women’s freedom to explore the world independently.
Today, women travel solo confidently, enjoying the independence and opportunities it brings. This change reflects a broader acceptance of women’s autonomy and the breakdown of traditional gender roles, allowing women to experience the world on their terms. Such freedom to travel alone was not readily available in the past.
Advocate for Political Positions
Political ambition was often stifled for women in the 1950s, with societal norms and expectations limiting their roles to supporters rather than leaders. Women struggled to have their voices heard in political arenas.
Fast forward to today, and the political landscape has transformed with women holding positions from local councils to presidencies. This progress showcases the power of persistent advocacy and societal change.
It’s a testament to the courage and determination of countless women who fought tirelessly for representation and influence in governance.
Drive a Car
Driving a car was a privilege not readily extended to women in the 1950s, with societal norms often viewing men as the primary drivers. Many women were discouraged from learning to drive or owning a car.
Today, women drive freely, representing their independence and autonomy. The shift in societal attitudes towards women drivers reflects broader changes in gender equality, allowing women to navigate their lives without reliance on male counterparts. The freedom to drive was a significant step forward from the limitations women faced in the past.
Be a Pilot
Becoming a pilot was not a common career path for women in the 1950s, with aviation largely dominated by men. Societal biases questioned women’s abilities to handle the responsibilities of flying.
Today, women fly commercial and military aircraft, breaking through the barriers that once limited their participation in aviation. This progress towards gender equality in aviation allows women to pursue careers as pilots, challenging stereotypes and paving the way for future generations. The opportunities available today were unimaginable in the past.
Join Professional Sports
Joining professional sports teams was a challenging pursuit for women in the 1950s, with limited opportunities and recognition. Women’s sports were often marginalized, reflecting broader societal views on gender roles.
Today, women compete professionally in various sports, gaining acclaim and support. This evolution in women’s sports highlights the strides made towards gender equality, where female athletes are celebrated and encouraged to pursue their passions. The growth of women’s sports represents a significant advancement from the constraints of the past.
Own a Business
Owning a business was a challenging endeavor for women in the 1950s, with societal expectations positioning them as homemakers rather than entrepreneurs. Legal and financial obstacles further hindered their business aspirations.
Today, women own and operate businesses across various industries, reflecting significant progress in gender equality. This empowerment allows women to contribute to the economy and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, challenging the traditional roles that once confined them to the domestic sphere. The opportunities available today contrast sharply with the past.
Vote in All Elections
Voting in all elections was not fully accessible to women in the 1950s, with lingering legal and societal barriers. While women gained the right to vote in the 1920s, many still faced obstacles at the polls.
Today, women participate in elections at all levels, exercising their right to influence political decisions. This progress reflects the ongoing journey towards gender equality, where women’s voices are heard and valued in the democratic process. The right to vote is now a fundamental aspect of citizenship, different from the past.