Before such a movement happened, life for women was not at all like how most people know it today. Life in America after World War II was immersed in social and

There was an enormous response to the book. More and more women sought employment, most to provide additional income for their families, but not without the influence of Mystique. When women joined the workforce, they were met with contempt by the male company, and also were faced with lower pay scale and social dilapidation. Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, banning any form of discrimination on the basis of race or gender (Reynolds). Many women took this legislation to heart, and with it, were motivated to start banding together to fight for equality in the workplace and in American society.

The movement for women’s liberation also brought openness to the public. Janis Joplin was made popular by her distinctive yowling vocals, down-to-earth songwriting, and good-natured charisma. However she also became “one of rock’s first poster girls…Bob Seidemann’s lovely semi-nude shot of Janis, made into a poster during the Summer of Love [1967], sold over 150,000 copies – unheard of at the time (Hirshey: 74).” Apparently, the American population was becoming more comfortable with women in the spotlight, and openness to sexuality.

Don’t you want somebody to love? (Hirshey: 73-4)

The popularity of NOW led to the rise of other feminist groups, some so extremely radical that they would call for nothing less than the defeat of the entire male populace. However most moderate organizations fought for equal pay, stricter rape laws, reform of divorce practices, and improvement of health care (Women’s…1970s). Soon, gender roles in American society were called into question, as women became more involved in business in athletics, while men became closer to home.

The changes occurring throughout this entire time period were reflected in the popular music. At the beginning of rock-and-roll, women were reflected as stereotypically inferior to men. This was shown in squeaky-clean girl groups of the early-sixties. Groups like the Shangri-Las, the Ronettes, and the Supremes proved that it would not be possible to become a famous female musician unless one wore slim cut matching dresses, beehive hairdos, and thick Maybelline eyeliner.

As the tumult of the sixties gave birth to new forms of rock and roll. The rough, in-your-face rock from the Summer of Love died away to be replaced by mellower, softer rock, although the Vietnam conflict was still rising.

Some topics in this essay:
Soviet Union, , Opportunity Commission, Jones Hirshey, Jefferson Airplane, Missile Crisis, Scouts Brownies, Ronettes Supremes, Women’s…1970s Soon, America Hirshey, women’s rights, national organization women, political movements, movements occurred, movement women’s, summer love, social political, organization women, american society, political social, late 1960s,