Running head: WOMEN’S LIBERATION 1

Women’s Liberation

Student’s Name

Institution-Affiliated
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Women’s Liberation

Women in the 1920s were at the peak of attaining their freedom and rights which they

hoped to match with those of men. During the era, struggle for creating their position in the

society got immense in political, social and economic aspects of life. Liberation of the female

gender was successful as they could later hold public offices, exercise the right to vote, and

obtain education. Jazz music influenced the liberation in the 1920s as it created a platform to

express their pleas, and availed jobs to women, as men realized the essence of equality in the

society whereas the female gender enjoyed their independence from male dominated society.

First, Jazz music created an opportunity for women to express their feelings and ideas out

loud in the society which was impossible in the past. Traditionally, women were viewed as

mothers or daughters who did not have significant roles in the community. In particular, their

roles were limited to household chores and serving their families at home. However, Jazz clubs,

dances, and concerts gave them an opportunity to escape from these roles (Strongman, 2018).

The music industry allowed them to change their language, clothing and lifestyle, which was a

step towards their freedom in the society. Women would go out and join with others for such

concerts and dances away from their past family roles.

Additionally, Jazz music was a source of employment for most women during the 1920s.

As performing artists in the industry, Jazz music paved the way for most women to pursue

artistic careers. Different from the past, women were able to find advertisements and cosmetics

opportunities and generate income for them (Cartwright, 2017). For instance, Lil Hardin and

Bessie Smith became popular due to their music which created an opportunity for themselves

and the entire female gender in the American society at the time.
WOMEN’S LIBERATION 3

For men, the liberation of women from the traditional roles in the family, was a societal

development which sparked the fight for gender equality. They noticed the contribution that

women were making in the society rather than being mothers or daughters (Strongman, 2018).

Men’s attitude changed where they allowed female participation in politics and social activities.

Women took advantage of the movement and gained independence from men, which was a

milestone for them in the era. They took part in societal issues as they heightened their freedom

and rights from male dominated community.

In conclusion, women liberation in the 1920s made the female gender active in societal

issues. Jazz music became the vehicle for expressing women’s rights and freedom to participate

in the industry. Through the industry, women got jobs and changed the tradition of only serving

at the family level. Also, popular artists were able to generate income from the industry through

concerts, dances and advertisements. To men, the movement raised awareness of gender equality

and freedom of participation whereas women thought of embracing the independence from the

men.
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References

Strongman, S. (2018). The sisterhood: Black women, black feminism, and the women's

liberation movement.

Cartwright, J. (2017). Women in Jazz: Music Publishing and Marketing. Northcentral University.