Introduction
The struggle for women’s rights in the United States has been a long and arduous journey, filled with countless remarkable figures whose tireless efforts have paved the way for progress. Among them, Gloria Steinem, a renowned writer, journalist, feminist, and social-political activist, has been a pillar of strength and inspiration in this movement. Her work in the early 1970s has been instrumental in shaping the discourse on women’s rights in the United States and globally (Conkling, 2020). This paper aims to analyze the enormous impact of Steinem’s work on the fight for women’s equal rights and its profound effect on American society and history.
Gloria Steinem’s Influence on Women’s Rights
Steinem was a crucial figure in the second wave of feminism. As an advocate for equal rights, Steinem’s writings and speeches illuminated the systemic discrimination and biases women faced at the time. Being a co-founder of Ms. magazine, she developed it as a feminist publication that attracted the public’s attention in the 1970s (Conkling, 2020). In her work, Steinem consistently challenged the status quo regarding women’s rights, pushing for necessary changes in societal norms and political policies.
Thus, she was at the forefront of the battle for ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s, which sought to ensure legal equality of the sexes and prohibit discrimination based on sex (Duncan, 2023). Although the amendment did not earn the required support from three-quarters of the states immediately, Gloria’s persistent advocacy brought the issue of gender equality to the limelight, initiating a discourse that changed the perception of gender roles in American society.
Moreover, Steinem’s work extended beyond the sphere of legal rights to touch upon the ingrained social and cultural biases against women. She tirelessly campaigned against the objectification of women and the unrealistic beauty standards imposed by society. Her famous essay, “If Men Could Menstruate” (1978), cleverly subverted traditional gender roles, highlighting the arbitrary nature of sexist societal norms (Conkling, 2020).
Gloria Steinem’s Influence on Civil Rights
Still, it is essential to note that Steinem’s influence was not limited to women’s rights. As a firm advocate for civil rights, she used her platform to promote racial equality and LGBTQ+ rights (Duncan, 2023). Her holistic approach to equality and justice broadened the feminist movement’s scope, insisting that the fight for women’s rights was inextricably linked to the fight against all forms of oppression.
Thus, it is possible to claim that Steinem’s work in the 1970s profoundly impacted American society and history. The conversations and debates she initiated led to the transformation of societal norms and cultural values associated with gender. Her advocacy for equal rights helped to create a more inclusive legal landscape, setting the stage for crucial legislative changes, such as the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 (Duncan, 2023; Locke & Wright,2020). Furthermore, her broad approach to feminism laid the groundwork for the intersectional feminism that is prevalent today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gloria Steinem’s work in the early 1970s was pivotal in advancing the cause of women’s rights in the United States. She was a beacon of change, challenging societal norms, political policies, and legal frameworks perpetuating gender inequality. Her tireless efforts and unwavering dedication sparked a revolution, forever altering the course of American history. Steinem’s legacy inspires and shapes the ongoing fight for equality, reminding us that the struggle for justice and equality is a collective endeavor that transcends boundaries of gender, race, and class.
References
Conkling, W. (2020). Ms. Gloria Steinem: A life. Feiwel & Friends.
Duncan, L. E. (2023). Gloria Steinem: The childhood foundations of a feminist. Journal of Personality, 91(1), 193-206.
Locke, J. L., & Wright, B. (Eds.). (2020). The American Yawp: A massively collaborative open US history textbook, vol. 2: Since 1877. Stanford University Press.