19th and 20th Century Dynamics

Gendered stereotypes and discriminations did not just stay in the ancient times, they were present in the recent past. The 19th and 20th century were marred with sexism and stereotypes that affected the way that women lived and their abilities to exercise their rights. However, despite ongoing present day challenges, such as gender disparities in STEM fields and unequal access in certain areas, the 20th century marked a pivotal moment in the journey towards equality for women in education. The change started in the 19th century and has continued to progress into the 21st century. Significant strides were made in the 20th century for the transformation of female rights and education. New opportunities arose for women because of several key factors, including the N.O.W. (National Organization for Women) and the passage of several legislative reforms.

At the beginning of the 20th century, many countries, cultures, and individuals upheld traditional beliefs that limited women’s education. They viewed it as unnecessary or inappropriate to possess knowledge that surpassed what they needed for basic domestic skills and literacy.

It was not until the mid-1800s that American girls were allowed to attend town schools to further their education past basic writing and reading. Even then, however, most of the girls who were truly educated were at a higher socioeconomic level than that of an average citizen.

The waves of feminism were rippling the waters during the time of this transformative shift as thousands of women protested against the unfair treatment of half the country. For almost one hundred years, women fought for equality in the eyes of the law and in the eyes of others. According to Bonnie Eisenberg and Mary Ruthsdotter of the National Women’s History Alliance, “Married women were legally dead in the eyes of the law.” Activists including Elizabeth Cady Stanton drove home the importance of equal access to education and opportunities at the Seneca Falls Convention and in the Declaration of Sentiments that she drafted. These events marked the beginning of significant progress for women ("Second Wave Feminism").