Things women were not allowed to do in the 20th century: Going to university, getting divorced and taking out loans

March 8 is not about flowers, tenderness and glorification of the fair sex. Initially, this holiday was dedicated to the fight for gender equality and respect for women’s labor. Yes, now, thanks to activists and public figures, feminism has come a long way: women are occupying leadership positions, becoming presidents and even serving in the army. However, the situation in the world 70 years ago was completely different. Girls could not get loans, they could not divorce their husbands, and they could not dispose of their own property. We tell you what women are still not allowed to do in the 20th century.

Study at prestigious universities

Even at the beginning of the 20th century, it was believed that education led to the loss of femininity (what?!). Girls could study in colleges and schools, but access to the most prestigious institutions was closed to them. Until 1969, Yale and Princeton did not allow women to apply. But girls only got into Harvard in 1977 (and that was only 44 years ago).

Vote

Until the early 20th century, all girls (even those from the upper classes) were prohibited from voting. In Russia, women received this right only after the February Revolution in 1917, and in France this happened another 13 years later.

You have credit cards and bank accounts

Nowadays, you can go to the bank and get a credit card whenever you want, but in the 20th century, everything was not that simple. In order for the application to be approved, an affidavit from the husband authorizing him to obtain a loan had to be submitted in the United States. And an unmarried woman cannot have a bank account. This continued until 1974.

Take birth control pills

Until 1972, single women were prohibited from taking oral contraceptives. The pills were sold only to married people and strictly by prescription.

have an abortion

Abortion was first officially allowed in 1920. True, it was banned again in 1936 in the hope that the number of abortions would decrease (but the girls went to underground doctors, which was very dangerous). Again, the authorities allowed operations only in the second half of the 20th century: in the USSR – in 1954, in Great Britain – in 1967, and in the USA – 1973.

Can be dismissed due to pregnancy

Yes, this can happen too! Before 1964, there was no such thing as maternity leave. Previously, girls had to choose between work and family. A woman who is pregnant can be fired from her job.

fly into space

Everyone knows that Valentina Tereshkova made the first flight into space in 1963, but women were banned from applying in the United States until 1978. America’s first flight into space took place only in 1983.

right to divorce

Unfortunately, in the 20th century, domestic violence was not considered a crime. If a woman refused to have sexual intercourse with her husband, the man could raise his hand and beat her. And if a woman wanted to file for divorce, she could not do so without her husband’s consent. However, a man, on the contrary, can leave his wife at any time. By the way, if a couple had children, then all their rights remained with the husband.

Participation in marathons

Previously, women were not allowed to attend sporting events, even as spectators. Women were allowed into the stands for the first time in 1896, and they were only able to participate in competitions in 1928. After 46 years, women were allowed to participate in marathons.

work in court

It was forbidden for women to practice law until 1971. It was believed that women are fragile creatures and are not able to objectively perceive information about some crimes.