After the Fact
Chapter 14-From Rosie to Lucy
1. Who are the two women referred to in the title of the chapter?
2. Describe the post-WWIl frustrations felt by women such as Betty Friedan.
3. What prompted Betty Friedan to begin her study? Why did she decide to
publish it as a book?
4. During the era of "Rosie the Riveter", what gains did women make in the
workforce? How did these women feel about themselves and their
contributions? What did society as a whole think?
5. What were some of the reactions to women moving in large numbers to
male-dominated jobs?
6. What role did mass media play during the 1950s and 1960s in regard to
supporting or undermining the "feminine mystique"? Provide at least one
example from the reading.
7. Which television heroine -- Alice, Lucy, or Miss Brooks -- came the closest
to TRULY overcoming the feminine mystique, and elaborate on that
heroine's situation and relationship to the men in her life.
8. According to Davidson and Lytle, why have historians largely avoided the
debate regarding the influence of the media on society?
9. What does content analysis reveal about television programs from this
period? Do these conclusions support Betty Friedan's argument?
10. What does feminism mean? Do feminists exist today? Provide evidence to
support your answer.
11. Working women were blamed for social problems when wartime
disruptions were the real cause. Why was that connection made? Do
similar theories influence our thinking now?
12. How do sit-coms challenge gender roles? Do today's sit-coms challenge or
accept traditional gender roles? Provide examples.