A review of A History of Women in America, by Carol Hymowitz and Michaele Weissman Chapter 16
This week's reading introduced the fascinating figures of Emma Goldman and Margaret Sanger. Both played pivotal roles in the sexual revolution, challenging the social norms of their time.
Emma Goldman and the Sexual Revolution
During this period, society dictated that women should be asexual. They were expected either to remain celibate and focus on their careers or to marry and have families. Women were told that sex was solely for procreation, and female sexuality was widely misunderstood and suppressed by societal norms.
Emma Goldman, however, rejected these restrictive beliefs. She argued that the celibate lives many single, working women were leading deprived them of a full existence—both spiritually and emotionally. After meeting a German man named Ed Brady, who introduced her to the joys of sex, Goldman’s eyes were opened to what she called "the great life-giving force." She became a vocal advocate for women's sexual freedom, believing that women had every right to enjoy sex as much as men.
The Flapper Movement in the 1920s
In the 1920s, the flapper movement further challenged the restrictive social constructs surrounding women's sexuality. Flappers embraced their sexuality rather than hiding it. They wore short dresses that showed their arms and legs, and they wore bold, bright lipstick. Both Goldman and the flappers shared the belief that sex was a natural human desire and that women shouldn’t be shamed for having sexual thoughts or desires.
Margaret Sanger and Reproductive Control
Although progress was made in reducing the taboo around discussing sex, societal expectations still frowned upon women having sex outside of marriage. Both Goldman and Margaret Sanger believed that the key to women’s emancipation was control over reproduction through access to birth control and contraception.
Margaret Sanger opened clinics where women could be fitted for diaphragms, which she had to import due to national restrictions. This limited the number of women she could help, but she focused on assisting poor women, as they were most affected by unwanted pregnancies. Sanger’s work later led to the founding of Planned Parenthood, which still operates today, helping women maintain control over their reproductive health.
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