HST6776 – From Pinny to Hot Pants? Women in Britain, 1945-1970 2024/25

Between 1945 and 1970, the life chances of British women were transformed, while what it meant to be a ‘British woman’ was itself revolutionised, through decolonization and immigration. These decades saw rising living conditions, educational opportunities in the wake of the Butler Education Act (1944), the acceptance that married women might work (part-time), and key legislative victories from the legalisation of abortion (1967) to the Equal Pay Act (1970). Yet not all were winners post-war and stubborn inequalities remained. This era is also credited with a 'love revolution', the rise of 'companionate marriage' , the emergence of modern fatherhood, and sexual permissiveness. Together we will analyse these claims. This module MUST be taken in conjunction with HST6700 History Research Dissertation.