Year 9 - History
The role of women in post-war Britain, 1945-1975
Thematic study: how has the role of women in British society changed?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils consolidate and extend their knowledge of history before 1066 by examining how women's roles in British society have changed from the medieval period to the present.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain some of the changes to the lives of women in Britain between 1945 and 1975.
Key Notes
- After World War 2, the British economy recovered and there was an increase in the number of women in paid employment.
- During the 1950s, most people continued to believe that a woman's role should be focused on the home.
- Women campaigned for equality with men and these campaigns gathered momentum during the 1960s and 1970s.
- Campaigns to end discrimination against women in the workplace were only partially successful and progress was slow.
- The contraceptive pill and the legalisation of abortion meant women had more control over if and when they had children.
Vocabulary To Learn
- discrimination: discrimination is when someone is treated unfairly or differently because of certain characteristics, like their race, sex, gender, age or religion
- feminist: a person who believes in social, economic and political equality between men and women is a feminist
- equality: equality is the state of being equal, especially in status, rights or opportunities
- strike: a strike is a form of protest that involves refusing to work
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- The Equal Pay Act (1970) led to women being paid the same as men.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
After World War 2, the British economy recovered and there was an increase in the number of women in paid employment. During the 1950s, most people continued to believe that a woman's role should be focused on the home.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'discrimination'
discrimination is when someone is treated unfairly or differently because of certain characteristics, like their race, sex, gender, age or religion.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: The Equal Pay Act (1970) led to women being paid the same as men. Correction: Although the Equal Pay Act made it illegal to pay women less than men for doing the same work, many employers adjusted job descriptions for female workers to avoid paying them equally.
More Lessons In This Unit
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