Fighting for Equality: Women's History 1950-2018
This course is part of Women Have Always Worked.
This comprehensive course traces the evolution of women's rights and equality in America from the 1950s to 2018. Starting with the Cold War era's impact on gender roles and family dynamics, it explores how women's participation in activism and wage work challenged traditional perspectives. The course examines various feminist movements, analyzing how different groups fought for equality while addressing intersections of class, race, and citizenship. Students will learn about key historical developments, including the rise of suburban housewife ideals, women's increasing workforce participation, and modern movements like Me Too. The course concludes with an examination of contemporary women's political engagement and ongoing struggles for equality.
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What you'll learn
How Cold War ideals impacted women's path to equality and independence
The evolution of feminist movements from the 1960s to present day
Intersections of class race and citizenship in women's work experiences
Impact of consumerism and globalization on women's labor participation
Role of women's activism in shaping modern political landscapes
Connection between gender discrimination and feminist awakening
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
PreRecorded video
Graded assignments, exams
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
Limited Access access
Shareable certificate
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Module Description
This course examines the complex journey of women's equality in America from the Cold War era to contemporary times. It explores how the ideals of suburban family life during the Cold War impacted women's progress toward independence. The curriculum covers major social movements, economic changes, and political developments that shaped women's rights and roles in society. Key topics include the evolution of feminist movements, intersectionality in women's experiences, labor force participation trends, and modern activism including the Me Too movement. The course particularly emphasizes how different groups of women encountered varying challenges based on class, race, and citizenship status.
Fee Structure
Individual course purchase is not available - to enroll in this course with a certificate, you need to purchase the complete Professional Certificate Course. For enrollment and detailed fee structure, visit the following: Women Have Always Worked
Instructors
Innovating Education Through Technology and Pedagogy
The Columbia University Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) is a comprehensive resource dedicated to enhancing teaching and learning across Columbia University. The CTL partners with faculty, students, and colleagues to support excellence and innovation in education through a wide range of programs, services, and resources. Their offerings include teaching consultations, workshops, technology training, and online courses. The CTL promotes inclusive, learner-centered, and research-based pedagogy while supporting the use of new media and emerging technologies in classrooms and online learning environments. Their course offerings on edX cover diverse topics including Crisis Resource Management, a multi-part series on the Civil War and Reconstruction era, Fighting for Equality: 1950-2018, and a series on women's labor history titled "Women Have Always Worked." Through these initiatives, the CTL aims to foster professional development, curricular enhancement, and academic excellence for Columbia's instructors and students.
5 Courses
Eminent Scholar of American Labor History and Women's Studies
Alice Kessler-Harris, the R. Gordon Hoxie Professor of American History Emerita at Columbia University, is a preeminent scholar in American labor history and women's studies. Her groundbreaking research focuses on the history of American labor, 20th-century social policy, and women's work. Kessler-Harris is acclaimed for seminal works such as "In Pursuit of Equity" and "Out to Work," which have significantly shaped understanding of women's roles in the workforce and American socioeconomic landscape. Her leadership extends beyond academia, having served as president of major historical associations and currently as Vice President of the Society of American Historians. An elected member of prestigious scholarly societies, Kessler-Harris continues to influence the field through her teaching, including courses on "Fighting for Equality: 1950-2018" and the "Women Have Always Worked" XSeries at Columbia. Her work not only illuminates the historical experiences of working women but also contributes to broader discussions on gender, labor, and social policy in America
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