The role of women in post-war Britain, 1945-1975
I can explain some of the changes to the lives of women in Britain between 1945 and 1975.
The role of women in post-war Britain, 1945-1975
I can explain some of the changes to the lives of women in Britain between 1945 and 1975.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- After World War 2, the British economy recovered and there was an increase in the number of women in paid employment.
- During the 1950s, most people continued to believe that a woman's role should be focused on the home.
- Women campaigned for equality with men and these campaigns gathered momentum during the 1960s and 1970s.
- Campaigns to end discrimination against women in the workplace were only partially successful and progress was slow.
- The contraceptive pill and the legalisation of abortion meant women had more control over if and when they had children.
Keywords
Discrimination - discrimination is when someone is treated unfairly or differently because of certain characteristics, like their race, sex, gender, age or religion
Feminist - a person who believes in social, economic and political equality between men and women is a feminist
Equality - equality is the state of being equal, especially in status, rights or opportunities
Strike - a strike is a form of protest that involves refusing to work
Common misconception
The Equal Pay Act (1970) led to women being paid the same as men.
Although the Equal Pay Act made it illegal to pay women less than men for doing the same work, many employers adjusted job descriptions for female workers to avoid paying them equally.
To help you plan your year 9 history lesson on: The role of women in post-war Britain, 1945-1975, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 history lesson on: The role of women in post-war Britain, 1945-1975, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the Thematic study: how has the role of women in British society changed? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
The contraceptive pill becomes available for the first time.
The Abortion Act legalises abortion.
The Equal Pay Act is introduced.
The Sex Discrimination Act is introduced.