Women Empowerment

Abstract Over the course of the 20th century, fashion trends have evolved more rapidly than ever before in reflection and connection to the empowerment of women. "Across the decades” was the main approach for this focus group. Asking a compilation of questions to six participants; women possibly even men in distinct decades of life: people in 90’s, 80’s, 70’s, 60’s, 50’s, 40’s, and 30’s. Questions were made to be answered specifically from their experiences and knowledge over the years; what they saw happening and how our culture was changing in reflection to the uplifting of women in society. The findings from participant’s responses will be examined and used as insight on the topic at hand.

Intro Fashion trends throughout the 20th century were ever changing due to the major events that took place. With these hasty changes, society had to adapt. Along with the adaptation of these events in history came the women’s movement that started the creation and strong connection to women empowerment. Certain events in 20th century history have linked to women’s growth in general; more particularly the workforce. Along with these certain events, clothing had to be modified and changed. The women's movement was really about economics and survival, the by-product was women being empowered. With this new sense of rising up to their male counterparts, women’s clothing resembled that power and professionalism. The information gathered was based upon the participants experience and knowledge. What is seen as acceptable now wouldn’t have been years ago. The way women dress tends to lead to the way they are perceived in everyday life as well as the workforce.

Methodology findings The researcher conducted a thirty-five question focus group. Some of the questions being research based investigated by Cazenovia College’s library databases; while the remainder of the questions were based upon participants personal experience and knowledge of the topic. The focus group included six participants for one hour per respondent. The focus group was conducted over a five week time period. All of the respondents were females of ages ranging twenty-one to sixty-two. Having females of all ages perspectives on the matter gave the researcher a clear consensus of the evolution of women based upon trends, careers and events in 20th century history. The researcher finalized their findings by coding the results in a word processed document to come up with a conclusion. Results

Job Market and Fashion Trends in the 1930’s and 40’s Two major events in American history took place within the duration of the 1930’s and 40’s; the Great Depression and WWII. Thus, all participants were in agreement that the job market for women was quite limited to pink collar jobs i.e.: office jobs, nursing, store clerks, secretaries etc. Jobs were basically service oriented, and did not require additional education. At that time, a high school diploma gave a woman all the typing and office skills she would need. Fashion in the 30’s and 40’s reflected a depressed era and a nation coming out of WWI and going into WWII. All participants acknowledged that fashion was practical and was a time of adaptation for women. Certain materials and fabrics were expensive and not readily available since US resources were being focused on the war efforts and needs base. Both women and men had more ready to wear clothing.

Job Market and Fashion Trends in the 1950’s and 60’s The woman’s movement was in full swing and their voice was being heard. While women were pushing their boundaries men were trying to keep up and their roles within a family were changing. Households had more material things – which increased the need for two people to work in a family, which meant family life began changing. Post war, women were encouraged to become educated post high school and become a wage earning part of their families. The technical world was changing and society and the culture needed women trained to work in businesses. With an increased population the baby boom there was a need for more teachers and women were encouraged to go into teaching since that was seen as a traditionally female occupation ‘suited’ for a woman. Fashions of the 1950’s became traditionally and conservatively cut styles. Women wore skirts, usually full since fabric and fabric blends were much more available and had a much more polished look. There were fashions available at all economic levels. The economic base in the United States was growing and people generally had more of a disposable income. Women were entering the workforce in unprecedented numbers which influenced what they needed in clothing, designs, colors, fabrics, easy of care fabrics and functionality. Participant “D” added that Politically, Kennedy was in the white house, his wife, Jackie was a fashion icon that set the pace for women of all economic and social classes to make a statement in their visual appearance. As the 1960’s progressed, the baby boomers came along with youthful, counter culture ideas. There became a trend for street fashion. The later portion of the 60’s encouraged everything radical, loose designs, all cottons. The overall consensus from the six participants was that styles were more free spirited which allowed people to have the independence to wear whatever they desired.

Job Market and Fashion Trends in the 1970’s In the 1970’s more women were becoming collegiately educated. However, women still hit the glass ceiling in the corporate and business world. Times have most certainly changed in the sense that women were expected to post pone child bearing and commit to the workplace and climb the ladder. The general consensus participants B-E was that the job market had grown in favor of females; giving them more opportunities for advancement. Participant “A” being 21 years of age hadn’t experienced life in the 70’s but assumed the rate of women in the workforce was higher than ever in history. Trends for women in the 1970’s included a multi-layer wardrobe. Women could now wear pants and pantsuits to work. Women wanted a variety of clothing in pants and shoes. All participants were in agreement that major trends in this decade included: bell bottoms, gaucho pants, platform shoes, suits, and jeans.

Job Market and Fashion Trends in the 1980’s and 90’s Participants “A-E” were in a solid agreement that the job market for women in the 1980’s and 1990’s was pretty much the same as it was for men. Equality had finally been accepted. There were more executive positions, entrepreneurs, and fewer housewives. As well as more opportunities, pay, and management positions available to females. The job market during the 1980’s and 1990’s exploded for women. Females were being brought up with the idea that they could be and do anything they wanted to. The age of technology age was coming into its own in the sense that entirely new fields of study were being invented; thus creating a wider spectrum of job opportunities. There were specially designed high school programs that encouraged females to take more science to be prepared to go into college majors that were traditionally male oriented. Upon graduating from college they would enter these jobs. At this time, there was more mobility throughout the world; creating out sourcing to foreign countries. There became more communication abilities as well. All of these advancements opened up more jobs both for women and men. As far as fashion was concerned, The 80’s were a transition time for women. Since women were merging into jobs traditionally held by men; they still had their corporate suits and styles, they now wanted their trends and fashions to be feminized. Thus, creating the tailored power suit designed specifically for the female figure. Though these suits had a more feminine touch, they also contained shoulder pads which maintained the element of masculinity women wanted and needed for that sense power. In a sense, fashions became more suitable for all. Fashion trends had a totally relaxed look, slouched pants, leggings, clothing that showed the shape of the body. Participants concluded that the major trends sought after throughout the 1980’s included; shoulder padded jackets and suits, bright colors, denim, cut-off tops and bottoms. Female fashion in the 1990’s was the decade that produced the corporate casual look which included coordinates of blazers, pants, skirts and blouses. Women were branching out and creating more options for their power suits. The 90’s became the casual, trendy, crisp look with style and class. Participants decided that this decade did not have to be traditional or conservative.

WWII; Rosie the Riveter Participants “A-E” made it known they personally didn’t experience this particular time of the 20th century. However, from their general knowledge they believed that many women found themselves thrust into the workplace, where they were performing industrial jobs previously held by men. Practical clothing, such as pants and overalls, became necessary work attire for Rosie the Riveter. During this time, men went off to war and women left their homes and went into the workforce. Women felt independent in the sense that they were earning their own money, making their own decisions. The birth of empowerment was upon women by being economically self-sufficient from men.

Post War; Dawning of Empowerment & Fashion When the war ended, men came back home and wanted their jobs back. After such a liberating and empowering experience women didn’t want to go back into the home and return to their housewife role. They stayed employed, and maintained their economic independence. Post war was a time of prosperity. American culture was essentially trying to get back to normal post war. Fashion trends began including vibrant colors and more fabric being used in designs again. People had more disposable income so that fashion trends could change more frequently and purchased. Credit and buying on time was created which fed into being able to purchase the ‘in look’. Television and mass media pushed fashion trends.

Influential Media throughout the 20th century Over the course of the 20th century media has changed and improved immensely. Thus, making the media more and more influential in the decisions people in our society make over the years. Media has reached a peak in the sense that it is dictating trends. As previously stated, media has changed and improved immensely. Meaning, there have many mediums of media over the span of the 20th century. During the 1930’s and 40’s the major types of media that affected the way women dressed were newspapers and magazines such as Women’s Wear Daily and Vogue, films and the introduction of television post war. Participants noted that the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s were quite similar to the previous decades of media. With the advancements in television, people could see what fashion icons such as Twiggy and Jackie O were wearing. Movies were growing more popular. Even print ads from newspaper and magazines still had quite the impact. Participants “A, C and D” were in agreement that the music and movie scene was of highly influential and popular throughout the duration of the 1950’s to 1970’s. People were mimicking styles seen from their favorite band members or movie stars. As well as being quite influenced by political faces and international affairs which pushed what was in the media. Influential media completely revolved around television, music artists, movie stars, and celebrities throughout the duration of the 1980’s and 90’s. The youngest of the participants, “A” referenced the music channel, MTV as quite the influential scene for our society in the 1990’s.
Magazines and advertisements of all kinds were still of great popularity and influence at this time. Participant “C” included the availability of Internet as a medium of mass media. Each and every participant agreed that the media has affected the way women feel they should dress. In accordance to American history, women adapted realistically and fashionably. Jobs, roles, and clothing changed with the times. Whenever need may be, people will acclimate themselves and change. A culture’s media influences the visual of how we present ourselves.

20th Century Fashion Icons Media was the main focal point in which people sought after fashion and trends throughout the 20th century. Those trends were influenced and seen from fashion icons. The bottom line in the fashion industry in order to be “in”; to imitate the most visible icons; people follow trends. Throughout the century there have been specific individuals based upon their careers and styles who have been dubbed as fashion icons. Participant “A” found Oprah to be a strong female icon based upon her career and appearance. Oprah has been styled with a clean, business casual look that reflects her professional standing in her career. Participant “C” believed that Marilyn Monroe and Jane Fonda were top female icons during the 20th century. Both Monroe and Fonda had ultra feminine styles that really showed women that they could be strong, professional and successful all while maintaining their feminine appearance in clothing and trends. Three out of six of the participants were in an agreement that Hilary Clinton and Madonna were seen as fashion icons of the century based upon their successful careers and styles. Hilary Clinton is a strong force in the political world. Her style consists of clean, conservative suits that show off her strong, feminine, professional power. While music idol, Madonna, was praised for being unique, risqué, and wearing whatever she wanted to. Three out of six of the participants also agreed that Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Onassis, and Cocoa Chanel were major fashion icons of the century. All three of these women had very different, yet successful careers. Hepburn was an actress, Onassis, a politician’s wife, and Chanel a fashion designer. Though their careers varied, the three of these women were quite popularly known because of their occupation. These women also shared the same fashionable taste and style; which explains why they have been categorized as icons by numerous participants. Their styles can best be described as classic, timeless, clean, conservative and feminine. Throughout the century fashion icons have without a doubt influenced our society with certain trends, how to express ourselves and how anyone, male or female, can be powerful and successful no matter what career path they choose.

Female Fashion Trends: Manipulating or Liberating? At times, our society questions the fashion industry in relation to how it makes people feel. Some are concerned about the oppression of the body through fashion's manipulations; whilst to some, fashion represents a fun way to express individuality freely. The question at hand is whether fashion is manipulating or the height of individuality and liberation? For participants “A, C, and E” fashion to them, is perceived as the height of individuality and liberation. Participant B concluded that fashion can be manipulating when it comes influencing people with certain trends. However, fashion is more so the height of individuality and freedom of expression. Especially, when thinking of females in other countries and their constrictions. Making matters more interesting, Participant “D” believed that fashion manipulates individuality and liberation. This country is so diverse that fashion can be all things to all people; it manipulates individuality.

Conclusion Centuries ago, women were perceived completely differently than they are in this day and age. It took much longer for fashion to change and there was limited mobility; which in turn, limited exchange of ideas. Within the last hundred years, the world has become smaller, in the sense that communication has increased. Everyone and everything began to influence each other over and over again. Since fashion is visual, when women began showing up in different segments of the workplace in traditionally male jobs; they were required to dress powerfully and professionally. When a female has to conduct herself in the male realm, especially in the beginning, it’s important to fit in and look correct for both respect and belonging. Since men were present in their power suits, all trim, official, conservative and traditional; women needed to do so as well. In order to be perceived and treated equally visual look women needed a female power suit to present themselves as business savvy and masculine; and they did. All participants were in agreement with the power suit factor. Participant D, strongly believed that having a female version of the male suit aids women professionally because it is seen as the accepted form of what is recognized, in this culture, as professional. From the information gathered by all participants involved; it can be concluded that the 20th century was a time in history that changed the way women were perceived for the better. In evidence to fashion; every major event in 20th century history, in some way, influenced how designs were altered to reflect what was happening. Throughout the duration of revolutions, depressions or times of war, the sense of female empowerment was present.

Works cited

Cucciniello, Lisa. "The Evolution of Western Women's Fashion: Changes in Female Clothing from the Middle Ages to Present Day." Women's Fashion. 29 Nov. 2008. 11 Sept. 2010<http://womensfashion.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_evolution_of_western_ womens_ fashion>.

"Historical Evolution of Fashion, Evolution of Fashion Worldwide, Women Fashion Wear Evolution." Women Fashion Wear, Ladies Fashion Garments, Ladies Fashion Wear, Women Fashion Garments, Women Fashion Clothing, Fashion Accessories. 10 Sept. 2010 <http://www.womenfashionwear.com/fashion-evolution.html>.

Joselit, Jenna Weissman. A perfect fit: clothes, character, and the promise of America. New York: Metropolitan Books, 2001.

Levey, Judith S. The World Almanac for Kids, 1998. Mahwah, NJ: World Almanac Books, 1997. 76-79.